Responsible Gambling

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Responsible Gambling in Ontario

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money.

At Top Ontario Casinos, we are committed to promoting responsible gambling and helping Ontario residents enjoy online casinos safely. This page provides resources, information, and support for anyone concerned about their gambling or that of a loved one.

Understanding Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is when gambling causes harm to you, your relationships, your finances, or your well-being. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background.

Warning Signs

You or someone you know may have a gambling problem if you notice:

Financial Red Flags:

Gambling with money you can’t afford to lose
Borrowing money to gamble
Lying about gambling losses
Financial problems caused by gambling
Selling possessions to fund gambling

Behavioral Red Flags:

Unable to stop or control gambling
Chasing losses (trying to win back money lost)
Gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
Gambling for longer than intended
Prioritizing gambling over work, family, or social activities

Emotional Red Flags:

Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
Lying to family and friends about gambling
Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed about gambling
Neglecting personal relationships due to gambling

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you care about, help is available.

Get Help Now

ConnexOntario – 24/7 Support

Phone: 1-866-531-2600 Website: connexontario.ca Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

ConnexOntario provides free and confidential help for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Counselors can connect you with local treatment services across Ontario.

Gamblers Anonymous Ontario

Website: gaontario.org Service: Free peer support meetings across Ontario

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experiences, strength, and hope to help each other recover from problem gambling. Meetings are held throughout Ontario.

Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario

Website: problemgambling.ca Service: Information, resources, and referrals

PGIO provides education and resources about problem gambling, including self-assessment tools and information for family members.

Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline

Phone: 1-866-531-2600 (same as ConnexOntario) Text: Text SUPPORT to 79820 Online Chat: Available at connexontario.ca

Free, confidential support for problem gambling concerns.

Self-Help Resources

Self-Assessment Tools

Not sure if your gambling is becoming a problem? Try these confidential self-assessment questionnaires:

Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS)
Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)
Available at problemgambling.ca

Self-Exclusion Programs

All AGCO-licensed online casinos in Ontario are required to participate in self-exclusion programs. If you choose to self-exclude, you will be prevented from:

Creating new accounts
Accessing your existing accounts
Receiving marketing communications from the casino

How to Self-Exclude:

Ontario Self-Exclusion Program:

Contact individual casinos directly to request self-exclusion
Self-exclusion periods: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or lifetime
Self-exclusion applies across all AGCO-licensed online casinos

iGaming Ontario Self-Exclusion:

Website: igamingontario.ca
Provincial self-exclusion registry
One registration excludes you from all AGCO-licensed online gambling sites

Important: Self-exclusion is a serious commitment. Once registered, you cannot reverse the decision until the exclusion period expires.

Responsible Gambling Tools at AGCO Casinos

All casinos licensed by the AGCO must provide responsible gambling tools:

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Once set, limits cannot be increased for 24-72 hours.

Time Limits

Set limits on how long you can play in a single session.

Loss Limits

Set maximum amounts you’re willing to lose in a specific time period.

Reality Checks

Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you’ve been playing and how much you’ve spent.

Self-Assessment Tests

Access questionnaires to evaluate your gambling behavior.

Take a Break

Temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.

Account History

Review your complete gambling history, including deposits, wagers, and withdrawals.

Setting Limits Works: Research shows that players who set limits before gambling are more likely to stay within their budget.

Tips for Gambling Responsibly

Before You Play:

Set a Budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start
Set a Time Limit: Decide how long you’ll play
Never Chase Losses: Accept losses as the cost of entertainment
Don’t Borrow to Gamble: Only gamble with discretionary income
Stay Sober: Avoid gambling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

While Playing:

Take Regular Breaks: Step away from the screen every 30-60 minutes
Track Your Spending: Monitor deposits and losses
Don’t Let Emotions Drive Decisions: Avoid playing when upset or stressed
Recognize When to Stop: Win or lose, stick to your limits

Warning Signs to Stop:

You’ve reached your budget limit
You’ve been playing for your set time limit
You’re chasing losses
You’re feeling frustrated or angry
You’re playing to escape problems

Support for Family and Friends

If someone you care about has a gambling problem:

Do:

Express your concerns calmly and without judgment
Encourage them to seek professional help
Offer to help them find resources
Take care of your own well-being
Set boundaries to protect yourself financially

Don’t:

Lecture, preach, or criticize
Cover up or make excuses for their gambling
Pay off their gambling debts
Give them money
Try to control their gambling for them

Resources for Loved Ones:

Gam-Anon: Support for family and friends (gam-anon.org)
Family counseling services: Available through ConnexOntario
Financial counseling: Help managing gambling-related debt

Understanding AGCO Regulations

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) requires all licensed operators to:

Provide responsible gambling tools
Train staff on problem gambling identification
Display responsible gambling messages prominently
Prohibit minors from gambling (19+ in Ontario)
Participate in self-exclusion programs
Offer links to help resources
Conduct regular responsible gambling audits

These regulations protect Ontario players and ensure casinos operate ethically.

Facts About Gambling

Understand the Odds:

Casinos have a mathematical advantage on every game (house edge)
Over time, the casino will always win
Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money
“Hot streaks” and “lucky numbers” are myths

The Gambler’s Fallacy: Previous outcomes do not affect future results. Just because you’ve lost several times in a row doesn’t mean you’re “due” for a win.

Know When to Stop: