Support
Gambling help
Last checked: October 9, 2026
Canadian Gaming News reports on the gaming industry. We don't offer gambling or encourage anyone to gamble. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, help is free and confidential, and you don't have to stop gambling to ask for it.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, any time.
Support lines by province and territory
| Region | Service | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Gambling Support BC | 1-888-795-6111 | 24/7 |
| Alberta | Addiction Helpline (Recovery Alberta) Not gambling-specific, but can help or refer you | 1-866-332-2322 | 24/7 |
| Saskatchewan | Problem Gambling Help Line | 1-800-306-6789 | 24/7 |
| Manitoba | Problem Gambling Helpline (Shared Health) | 1-800-463-1554 Winnipeg: 204-944-6382 | 24/7 |
| Ontario | ConnexOntario Not gambling-specific, but can help or refer you | 1-866-531-2600 Text 247247 | 24/7 |
| Quebec | Jeu : aide et référence | 1-800-461-0140 | 24/7 |
| New Brunswick | Problem gambling information line | 1-800-461-1234 | 24/7 |
| Nova Scotia | Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line Not gambling-specific, but can help or refer you | 1-888-429-8167 | 24/7 |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Gambling Support Line | 1-855-255-4255 | 24/7 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Gambling Help Line (HealthLine) | 811 | 24/7 |
| Yukon | Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services Not gambling-specific, but can help or refer you | 1-866-456-3838 Whitehorse: 867-456-3838. For help any time, call 811. | |
| Northwest Territories | NWT HealthLine Not gambling-specific, but can help or refer you | 811 Or 1-844-259-1793 | 24/7 |
| Nunavut | Kamatsiaqtut Help Line Not gambling-specific, but can help or refer you | 1-800-265-3333 Iqaluit: 867-979-3333 | 24/7 |
Signs gambling may be a problem
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you meant to.
- Chasing losses, or borrowing money to gamble.
- Hiding your gambling from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you aren't gambling.
- Gambling getting in the way of work, school, bills or relationships.
Self-exclusion
Provinces that run casinos offer voluntary self-exclusion programs that bar you from gaming venues for a period you choose. Ask staff at any casino, or contact the support line for your province above.
Legal gambling age
Gambling is for adults only. The minimum age is set by each province and territory.
| Region | Casinos and gaming venues | Lottery tickets |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | 19 | 19 |
| Alberta | 18 | 18 |
| Saskatchewan | 19 | 18 |
| Manitoba | 18 | 18 |
| Ontario | 19 | 18 |
| Quebec | 18 | 18 |
| New Brunswick | 19 | 19 |
| Nova Scotia | 19 | 19 |
| Prince Edward Island | 19 | 19 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 19 (VLTs) | 19 |
| Yukon | 19 | 18 |
| Northwest Territories | 19 | 18 |
| Nunavut | 19 | 18 |