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Gambling addiction: signs and where to get help in Canada

Gambling disorder is a recognised medical condition, and help in Canada is free and confidential. This page lists the signs to watch for, what to do first and who to call in your province.

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Last updated
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Table of Content 8
  1. The short version
  2. What it means at an online casino
  3. Signs to watch for
  4. What to do first
  5. Self-exclusion in Canada
  6. Helping someone else
  7. Where to get help in Canada
  8. Questions about gambling addiction

The short version

  1. Signs

    Chasing losses, bigger bets for the same thrill and hiding how much you play are the early warning signs.

  2. Now

    Stop depositing, block casino and betting sites on your devices and tell one person you trust.

  3. Free

    Provincial helplines, Gamblers Anonymous and Gambling Therapy cost nothing.

  4. Family

    Gam-Anon and most provincial helplines also support family and friends.

So what

What it means at an online casino

  • Self-exclusion at one casino covers one casino

    Closing your account at an offshore casino does nothing at the next one. A device-wide blocker covers them all.

  • Provincial programs cover provincial sites

    Self-exclusion through a provincial lottery site or Alberta's central system does not reach offshore casinos.

  • Bonuses keep you playing

    Wagering requires you to bet a bonus many times over. If you are trying to cut down, skip bonuses entirely.

Full text

Gambling addiction, or gambling disorder, is gambling that continues even though it is causing harm: money problems, strained relationships, trouble at work or constant worry. It can develop with any form of gambling, and online casinos make it easier because they are open all day on your phone.

Signs to watch for

  • Thinking about gambling most of the time, or planning the next session.
  • Needing bigger bets to feel the same excitement.
  • Trying to win back losses, often the same day.
  • Restlessness or irritability when you try to cut down.
  • Gambling with money meant for rent, bills or savings.
  • Borrowing, selling things or using credit to gamble.
  • Lying to family or friends about how much you play.
  • Missing work, family time or other plans to gamble.

One or two of these signs do not mean you are addicted, but they are a reason to look at how you play and to talk to someone.

What to do first

  1. Stop depositing. Remove saved cards and e-wallets from casino accounts.
  2. Close or self-exclude your casino accounts, then install a blocking app such as BetBlocker or Gamban on your phone and computer.
  3. Ask your bank whether it can block gambling transactions on your cards.
  4. Call a helpline or tell someone you trust. Saying it out loud is often the hardest and most useful step.
  5. Deal with debts early. Free, non-profit credit counselling is available across Canada.

Self-exclusion in Canada

Each provincial lottery site runs its own self-exclusion program, and in Alberta every licensed online site connects to a central self-exclusion system run by the AGLC. In Ontario, self-exclude with each regulated site you use. None of these programs reaches offshore casinos, so if you play at them, self-exclude at each one and use a device blocker as well.

Helping someone else

Pick a calm moment and talk about what you have noticed, such as missed plans or money worries, rather than the gambling itself. Avoid paying off their debts, which can keep the cycle going. Provincial helplines, Gam-Anon and Gambling Therapy all support family members, and you can call them even if the person who gambles is not ready to.

For everyday limits that keep play under control, see our responsible gaming page and our tips for staying in control at new casinos.

Free support

Where to get help in Canada

Free and confidential. You do not need to have stopped gambling to call.

Numbers checked on each service's website in October 2026. In other provinces, call 811 or your provincial health line.

Questions about gambling addiction

What is problem gambling?

Gambling that causes harm to you or people close to you and that you find hard to stop. Gambling disorder is the medical term for its most serious form.

How can I tell if I have a problem?

Ask yourself whether you chase losses, bet more to feel the same excitement, hide your gambling or use money meant for other things. Several yes answers are a reason to get help.

Where can I get help in Ontario?

ConnexOntario offers free, confidential help 24 hours a day on 1-866-531-2600, and by chat and email.

Can I block online casinos on my devices?

Yes. BetBlocker is free and Gamban is a paid option; both block casino and betting sites and apps across devices.

Does provincial self-exclusion cover offshore casinos?

No. It covers provincial and regulated sites only. Self-exclude at each offshore casino and use a blocker. For Alberta's central program, see our report on the Alberta iGaming launch.

Can I recover without professional help?

Some people do, but support from a counsellor or a group such as Gamblers Anonymous makes recovery more likely. All the services listed here are free.

More information