Gambling support lines, province by province
Checked against sources · page revised
Gambling on a hotel weekend is supposed to be entertainment. If it starts to feel like something else, each province listed here runs a free, confidential helpline that answers at any hour.
| Province | Ban yourself | Regulator | Age | Free helpline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | My PlayBreak, run by OLG: any term from three months up to five years, all casinos in the province | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) | play at 19 | ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 (open 24/7; you can also text CONNEX to 247247) |
| Québec | Loto-Québec: three months to five years, and once you sign it stays signed | RACJ — Québec's alcohol, racing and gaming board | play at 18 | Help and Referral line for gambling, 1-800-461-0140 — open day and night, no charge |
| British Columbia | Game Break with BCLC: six months minimum, three years maximum | Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) | play at 19 | BC's Gambling Support line, 1-888-795-6111 — around the clock, free |
| Alberta | Through AGLC, six months to three years; covers PlayAlberta.ca and each casino in Alberta | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) | play at 18 | AHS Addiction Helpline, 1-866-332-2322, every hour of every day |
| Manitoba | Your choice of the Casinos of Winnipeg, Shark Club, PlayNow.com — or all of them | Manitoba's Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority (LGCA) | play at 18 | Manitoba gambling helpline, 1-800-463-1554, open all night |
| New Brunswick | Voluntary; Great Canadian Entertainment handles the paperwork | Gaming Control Branch (N.B. Justice and Public Safety) | play at 19 | Dial 1-800-461-1234 for the New Brunswick Gambling Information Line (free, private, TTY too) |
Rules of thumb
- Fix a budget before check-in; leave the cards in the room safe.
- Decide on a stopping time — the casino floor won't remind you.
- Losses stay lost; chasing them only grows them.
- Step away often: pool, spa and show are part of the stay.
All provinces run voluntary self-exclusion — details in our age and rules guide.