Responsible gambling: limits, warning signs and where to get help

Gambling should cost you only what you've set aside for fun. If it's costing more, or you're hiding it, help is free and confidential.

Canada's Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines

Canadian researchers set three limits that keep the risk of harm low:

• Gamble no more than 1% of household income before tax per month. On $60,000 a year, that's $50 a month.
• Gamble no more than four days a month.
• Avoid regularly playing more than two types of gambling.

More at gamblingguidelines.ca.

Warning signs

• Spending more time or money than you planned, often.
• Chasing losses, or depositing again to win back what's gone.
• Borrowing, using bill money or selling things to gamble.
• Hiding gambling from people close to you.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you're not gambling.

Tools to use at any casino

• Deposit limits daily, weekly or monthly. Set them at sign-up.
• Session reminders and time limits.
• Cooling-off for a day to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion for months or permanently. At offshore casinos, exclude from sister brands too.
• Bank gambling blocks. Many Canadian banks and card issuers can block gambling transactions on request.
• Blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker stops gambling sites loading on your devices.

Outside Canada

Gambling Therapy offers free online support in many languages, worldwide. Gamblers Anonymous runs meetings in many countries. In the UK, the National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133.

If you're in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, call or text 9-8-8 in Canada, or your local emergency number.