Responsible Gambling

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

I write about sportsbook terms because I believe players deserve transparency. But the most important thing I can say on this entire site is this: gambling is entertainment, not a financial strategy. If betting stops being fun, or if you're spending money you can't afford to lose, it's time to step back.

Know the Warning Signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Here are signs that your betting habits may be becoming harmful:

• Betting more than you planned or can afford
• Chasing losses with bigger or more frequent bets
• Lying to family or friends about how much you bet
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed about gambling
• Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or work because of betting
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Unable to stop or reduce betting despite wanting to

If any of these apply to you, please reach out for help. You are not alone, and support is available 24 hours a day.

Get Help in Ontario

ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, free, confidential)

ConnexOntario provides information and referrals for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Services are available in English and French.

Visit: connexontario.ca

Responsible Gambling Council:

The RGC offers educational resources, self-assessment tools, and support programs. Visit responsiblegambling.org for information and support.

Self-Exclusion Tools

Every AGCO-licensed sportsbook in Ontario is required to offer self-exclusion tools. These allow you to voluntarily ban yourself from the platform for a set period. You can also set deposit limits, session time limits, and cooling-off periods directly in your account settings at any regulated sportsbook.

iGaming Ontario also offers a province-wide self-exclusion program that covers all regulated online gambling platforms simultaneously. Contact iGaming Ontario or visit their website for details.

Set Limits Before You Start

The best time to set gambling limits is before you place your first bet. Every AGCO-licensed platform is required to offer these tools:

• Deposit limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit
• Session timers: Get alerts when you've been playing for a specified amount of time
• Loss limits: Some platforms allow you to set a maximum loss per session or per day
• Cooling-off periods: Take a break from your account for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days

For Friends and Family

If someone you care about is showing signs of problem gambling, ConnexOntario also provides support and resources for family members and friends. You don't have to navigate this alone. Call 1-866-531-2600 for guidance on how to help.

Legal Gambling Age in Ontario

You must be 19 years of age or older to participate in any form of regulated gambling in Ontario. All AGCO-licensed sportsbooks are required to verify your identity and age before you can place a bet or make a withdrawal.