Gambling is for adults only. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-463-1554 (ConnexOntario) or visit ResponsibleGambling.org. 18+

Responsible Play

Information, resources, and support for maintaining healthy gambling habits.

Our Position on Gambling

TopLottoDeals Canada is a news and information publication. We do not sell lottery tickets, operate gambling services, or provide gambling advice. We believe that informed readers make better decisions, and we are committed to providing responsible gambling context alongside our industry coverage.

Gambling should only ever be a form of entertainment, never a way to make money or solve financial problems. If gambling stops being enjoyable, or if it is causing stress, financial difficulty, or relationship problems, it is time to seek help.

Warning Signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Watch for these warning signs in yourself or others:

  • Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford
  • Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
  • Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling
  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
  • Lying to family members or others about gambling habits
  • Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression
  • Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling
  • Risking important relationships, jobs, or opportunities because of gambling

If you recognize any of these signs, please reach out to a helpline listed below. Support is confidential and available around the clock.

Provincial Helplines

Every province in Canada offers free, confidential gambling support services. These are staffed by trained counsellors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

National Resources

Self-Exclusion Programs

Every province offers voluntary self-exclusion programs that allow individuals to ban themselves from gambling venues and online platforms for a specified period. These programs are free and confidential. Contact your provincial lottery corporation or gaming regulator to enroll:

  • Ontario: OLG Self-Exclusion — Available at any OLG casino or online through OLG.ca
  • British Columbia: BCLC Voluntary Self-Exclusion — Available at BCLC gaming facilities or through PlayNow.com
  • Alberta: AGLC Self-Exclusion — Contact AGLC directly
  • Atlantic Canada: Atlantic Lottery Self-Exclusion — Available at ALC gaming sites or by contacting ALC
  • Quebec: Loto-Quebec Self-Exclusion — Available at Loto-Quebec casinos or through Espacejeux
  • Western Canada: Contact your provincial gaming authority (SLGA, LGA, or AGLC)

Practical Tips for Healthy Play

  • Set a budget: Decide how much you can afford to spend on lottery tickets before you buy, and do not exceed that amount
  • Set a time limit: Decide in advance how much time you will spend on gambling activities
  • Never chase losses: If you have not won, do not buy more tickets to try to recover your spending
  • Do not borrow to gamble: Only use money you can afford to lose entirely
  • Take breaks: Regular breaks help maintain perspective and prevent impulsive decisions
  • Keep it social: Gambling alone can lead to isolation. If you gamble, do so as a social activity
  • Understand the odds: Lottery products have a negative expected value. Understand the mathematics before participating. Read our prize tier analysis for context

For Friends and Family

If someone you care about may have a gambling problem, the same helplines listed above can provide guidance on how to approach the situation, set boundaries, and find family support services. Many provincial programs offer counselling specifically for family members of people with gambling problems.