Responsible play starts before the first wager.
A limit chosen after losses begin is usually weaker than a limit chosen when you are calm. Treat gambling as paid entertainment with a maximum cost, not as a financial plan.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose completely. Set both a money limit and a time limit in advance. Never increase the limit to recover losses.
Four practical guardrails
- Separate the bankroll. Do not use rent, debt payments, tuition, emergency savings or borrowed money.
- Pre-commit. Decide the maximum spend and end time before play.
- Do not chase. A loss does not make a future win “due.”
- Track the full result. Remember deposits and withdrawals, not only memorable wins.
Signals to stop and get support
- Hiding or lying about gambling.
- Borrowing to continue playing.
- Repeatedly breaking your own limits.
- Gambling to escape distress.
- Trying to recover losses with larger or riskier bets.
- Relationship, work or financial harm connected to gambling.
Free, confidential help
Wherever you are, these services offer free, confidential support:
- Gambling Therapy: online support for anyone affected by gambling, worldwide, in several languages.
- BeGambleAware: information, self-assessment and help, run in Great Britain.
Many countries and states also run their own helplines. Search for your local gambling helpline, or ask your doctor.
Legal age
Only gamble if you are 18 or older, or the legal age where you live if it’s higher. The legal age depends on where you are: many places set it at 18, some at 19 or 21 (19+ in most of Canada; 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec). Check the rules where you live.
Canada
Ontario: ConnexOntario offers free, confidential help with problem gambling, 24/7: call 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247 (checked October 10, 2026). Online gambling in Ontario is for people 19 and older who are physically in Ontario, on sites listed by iGaming Ontario.
Elsewhere in Canada, support services vary by province. We’ll add other provincial resources once we’ve checked them against official sources.