You're in control · 19+

Responsible gambling in Ontario

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make or recover money. If it stops feeling fun — or you're worried about someone else — help in Ontario is free, confidential and available right now. This page lists the official tools, including the new province-wide self-exclusion register.

Where to get help in Ontario

• ConnexOntario — free, confidential, 24/7 helpline for gambling, mental health and substance use. 1-866-531-2600 · connexontario.ca.
• BetGuard.ca — Ontario's centralized self-exclusion register (see below).
• OLG PlaySmart — responsible-play tools and information from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — if you're in distress, call or text 988 anytime.
• Gamblers Anonymous — free peer-support meetings across Ontario, in person and online.

BetGuard self-exclusion — new province-wide register (2026)

In 2026, iGaming Ontario launched BetGuard.ca, a single self-exclusion register that lets anyone 19 or older opt out of every regulated Ontario gaming site at once — including OLG.ca. Previously you had to exclude site by site; now one request covers the whole regulated market.

When you self-exclude through BetGuard, the system:

• Blocks you from opening new accounts at regulated operators;
• Blocks access to your existing accounts; and
• Stops gambling marketing from reaching you.

You choose the length: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or a custom period. It's free. If you feel your play is slipping out of control — or you simply want a clean break — this is the most complete tool available in the province. Learn more and enrol at BetGuard.ca.

OLG PlaySmart tools

If you play at OLG.ca, the government operator builds responsible-gambling features directly into your account through PlaySmart:

• Deposit and loss limits you set yourself (daily, weekly or monthly);
• Time-outs for a short cooling-off period;
• Reality checks and on-screen session tracking so you can see how long and how much you've played;
• My PlayBreak, OLG's own self-exclusion option.

PlaySmart also publishes plain-language information on how games work and the odds behind them — worth reading before you play anywhere.

Tools you'll find at every regulated casino

Every operator registered with the AGCO is required to give you responsible-gambling controls. At any iGO-licensed casino you can expect:

• Deposit limits — cap how much you can add over a set period;
• Time-outs / cooling-off — lock yourself out for hours or days;
• Self-exclusion — a longer break from that operator (and now, via BetGuard, all of them);
• Links to ConnexOntario and other support, displayed on the site.

Setting a deposit limit when you first register — before you've had a winning or losing session colouring your judgement — is one of the simplest, most effective habits a player can build.

Warning signs to watch for

Problem gambling can affect anyone. It may be time to pause and reach out if you notice that you:

• Spend more time or money than you planned, or chase losses to "win it back";
• Gamble to escape stress, low mood or boredom;
• Borrow money, sell things, or hide your gambling from family or friends;
• Feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down;
• Let gambling interfere with work, sleep, relationships or finances.

None of these means you've "failed" — they're signals, and reaching out early is a sign of strength. ConnexOntario can help you or a loved one figure out next steps, confidentially and without judgement.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a budget you can comfortably lose, and use the operator's deposit limit to enforce it.
• Set a time limit and take the reality-check prompts seriously.
• Never chase losses — the odds don't change because you're behind.
• Don't gamble when stressed, upset, or under the influence.
• Keep it social and fun — treat any winnings as a bonus, not income.
• Take regular breaks, and use a time-out or BetGuard if you need a longer one.

Why offshore sites carry extra risk

Unregulated, offshore casinos that market to Ontarians sit outside this entire safety net. They are not bound by AGCO standards, they don't have to offer these RG tools, and crucially they are not covered by BetGuard — so a self-exclusion won't stop them. They also offer no provincial dispute resolution if something goes wrong with your money. Playing only at iGO-licensed operators keeps you inside the system designed to protect you. More on offshore casinos →

You must be 19 or older and physically located in Ontario to play at regulated operators. This page is informational and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.