GoSloPlay is committed to promoting responsible gambling practices among Canadian players. While online gambling can be an entertaining leisure activity, it is important to recognize that it carries inherent risks and can lead to problematic behavior for some individuals.
This page provides information about responsible gambling principles, warning signs of problem gambling, and resources available to Canadian players who may need assistance.
Understanding Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling means making informed decisions about gambling activities while maintaining control over time and money spent. It involves:
- Setting and adhering to predetermined spending limits
- Viewing gambling as entertainment, not a source of income
- Understanding that the house always has a mathematical advantage
- Never gambling with money needed for essential expenses
- Avoiding gambling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Taking regular breaks during gambling sessions
- Not chasing losses by increasing bet sizes or playing longer
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of age, income, or background. Common warning signs include:
Financial Indicators:
- Gambling with money allocated for bills, rent, or food
- Borrowing money to gamble or cover gambling losses
- Selling possessions to finance gambling activities
- Hiding gambling-related financial transactions from family members
Behavioral Indicators:
- Spending increasing amounts of time gambling online or at physical venues
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
- Lying about gambling activities or losses
- Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling
- Repeatedly trying and failing to control or stop gambling
Emotional Indicators:
- Using gambling to escape problems or relieve anxiety or depression
- Experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins and losses
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling behavior
- Gambling despite awareness of negative consequences
If you or someone you know exhibits multiple warning signs, professional assistance may be beneficial.
Self-Assessment Tools
Several organizations provide free, confidential self-assessment questionnaires to help individuals evaluate their gambling behavior:
Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario (PGIO)
https://www.problemgambling.ca/
Offers screening tools and educational resources specific to Ontario residents.
Gambling Help Online
Provides anonymous online assessment tools available to all Canadians.
Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI)
A standardized assessment tool used by healthcare professionals across Canada to evaluate gambling behavior severity.
These assessments are not diagnostic tools but can help determine whether seeking professional evaluation is appropriate.
Help and Support Resources
National Resources
Gambling Help Line
Toll-Free: 1-866-531-2600
Website: https://www.gamblinghelpline.ca/
Available 24/7 in English and French. Provides confidential support, information, and referrals to counseling services across Canada.
Canada Safety Council – Problem Gambling Resources
Website: https://www.safety-council.org/
Offers educational materials and prevention resources.
Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO)
Website: https://www.greo.ca/
Provides evidence-based information about gambling and problem gambling.
Provincial Resources
Ontario
ConnexOntario
Toll-Free: 1-866-531-2600
Website: https://www.connexontario.ca/
Mental health and addiction services helpline providing referrals to local treatment services.
Problem Gambling Services of Ontario
Website: https://www.problemgamblingontario.ca/
Comprehensive directory of problem gambling services available throughout Ontario.
British Columbia
BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program
Toll-Free: 1-888-795-6111
Website: https://www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca/
Provincial support services including counseling and self-help resources.
GameSense BC
Website: https://www.gamesense.com/
Education and support program operated by the BC Lottery Corporation.
Quebec
Gambling: Help and Referral
Toll-Free: 1-800-461-0140
Website: https://www.jeu-aidereference.qc.ca/
Available in French and English. Provides assessment, referral, and support services.
Alberta
Alberta Health Services – Addiction & Mental Health
Toll-Free: 1-866-332-2322
Website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/
Includes specialized problem gambling counseling services.
Manitoba
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM)
Toll-Free: 1-855-662-6605
Website: https://www.afm.mb.ca/
Offers gambling counseling and support groups.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Health Authority – Problem Gambling Services
Toll-Free: 1-855-306-6789
Website: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/
Provincial counseling and support services.
Atlantic Canada
Problem Gambling Services (Nova Scotia)
Toll-Free: 1-888-347-8888
Provides assessment and treatment services.
New Brunswick Problem Gambling Services
Toll-Free: 1-800-461-1234
Counseling and support available in English and French.
Self-Exclusion Programs
Self-exclusion allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues or online platforms for a specified period. Once enrolled, operators are required to refuse service to the excluded individual.
Provincial Self-Exclusion Programs
Ontario – Self-Exclusion Program
Website: https://www.agco.ca/
Managed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Covers land-based casinos and legal online operators registered with iGaming Ontario.
British Columbia – Voluntary Self-Exclusion
Website: https://www.bclc.com/responsible-gambling/self-exclusion.html
Administered by BC Lottery Corporation for BCLC facilities and online platform.
Quebec – Programme d’auto-exclusion
Website: https://lotoquebec.com/
Loto-Québec operates a self-exclusion program for its casinos and online platform.
Online Casino Self-Exclusion
Most reputable online casinos offer self-exclusion tools within account settings. Players can typically choose exclusion periods ranging from 24 hours to permanent self-exclusion. During the exclusion period, the account is locked and the player cannot access gambling services.
International self-exclusion services such as GAMSTOP (UK-based) do not cover Canadian-facing offshore operators, making provincial programs and individual casino tools the primary options for Canadian players.
Responsible Gambling Tools
GoSloPlay reviews only include casinos that provide responsible gambling tools such as:
Deposit Limits: Pre-set daily, weekly, or monthly maximum deposit amounts.
Loss Limits: Restrictions on total losses over a specified timeframe.
Wager Limits: Maximum bet sizes per game or session.
Time Limits: Automated session reminders or forced logout after predetermined playing time.
Reality Checks: Periodic notifications displaying time spent and money wagered during current session.
Cooling-Off Periods: Temporary account suspension for 24 hours to several weeks.
Self-Assessment Tests: In-platform questionnaires to evaluate gambling behavior.
We recommend utilizing these tools proactively rather than waiting for problems to develop.
Protecting Minors
Online gambling is illegal for individuals under the age of majority in their province (18 or 19 depending on jurisdiction). Parents and guardians should:
- Monitor minors’ internet usage and device activity
- Use parental control software to block access to gambling websites
- Secure credit cards, debit cards, and online payment accounts
- Educate minors about gambling risks and legal restrictions
- Report underage gambling to appropriate authorities
Licensed online casinos are required to verify player age and identity before allowing real-money play. Operators failing to enforce age verification should be reported to regulatory authorities.
Resources for Family and Friends
Problem gambling affects not only the individual but also family members and close relationships. Support resources are available:
Gam-Anon
Website: https://www.gam-anon.org/
Support groups for family members and friends of problem gamblers.
Provincial Family Support Programs
Many provincial problem gambling services offer counseling and support specifically for affected family members. Contact provincial helplines listed above for information.
Financial Counseling
Problem gambling often results in financial difficulties. Canadians experiencing gambling-related debt may benefit from:
Credit Counselling Canada
Website: https://creditcounsellingcanada.ca/
Non-profit organization providing free financial counseling and debt management services.
Licensed Insolvency Trustees
Regulated professionals who can provide advice on debt relief options including consumer proposals and bankruptcy if necessary.
GoSloPlay’s Responsible Gambling Practices
As a casino review platform, GoSloPlay incorporates responsible gambling principles in our operations:
- Providing factual information about house edge and odds of winning
- Clearly explaining bonus wagering requirements and restrictions
- Refusing to promote casinos with predatory practices or inadequate player protections
- Including responsible gambling information on all review and informational pages
- Never encouraging players to chase losses or increase gambling beyond their means
- Maintaining this comprehensive resource page with current help information
Additional Information
For more information about gambling mathematics, game odds, and risk assessment, please refer to our educational guides. Understanding how casino games work mathematically can support more informed decision-making.
If you believe GoSloPlay’s content may be contributing to problematic gambling behavior, we encourage you to utilize available self-exclusion tools and contact support services immediately. Your wellbeing is more important than any website content.