Responsible gambling
Slots are built to be entertaining and to keep a share of every dollar over time. A demo costs nothing; real-money play does. These are the lines and tools we would point a friend to.
Free help lines, open around the clock
| Where | Line | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ConnexOntario | 1-866-531-2600 (text CONNEX to 247247) |
| Quebec | Jeu : aide et référence | 1-800-461-0140 (Montréal 514-527-0140) |
| British Columbia | BC Gambling Support Line | 1-888-795-6111 |
| Alberta | Health Link, including problem gambling | 811 |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Gambling Helpline | 1-800-463-1554 |
| Every province and territory | Responsible Gambling Council | responsiblegambling.org lists the line for your province |
In Newfoundland and Labrador, where our editor lives, the Responsible Gambling Council lists the Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-888-899-4357.
Limits that work before you start
- Decide the amount before you open a game, and treat it as spent.
- Set a deposit limit in the casino account on the first day. Regulated casinos and most offshore ones offer one.
- Keep sessions short and take breaks. A slot's next spin does not remember the last one, so there is no "due" win to wait for.
- Play the free demo first if you want to see how a game behaves. It uses demo credits and cannot win or lose real money.
Self-exclusion
In Ontario, BetGuard lets you exclude yourself from regulated gambling sites and OLG with one registration. Alberta runs a province-wide program too. Offshore casinos are outside these programs: use the self-exclusion in the casino account and block the site on your devices.
Signs it may be time to talk to someone
Chasing losses, borrowing to play, hiding play from people close to you, or feeling restless when you stop. Any one of these is a good reason to call one of the lines above. The call is free and confidential.