Responsible Gambling in Canada: Guide, Resources & Safe Betting Tips

Responsible gambling is hugely important for gamblers. Sports betting can be a slippery slope, and keeping betting fun, safe, and strategic is extremely important. Luckily, there are a ton of responsible gambling resources across Canada, designed to help bettors who may be backsliding into problematic behaviour.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about responsible gambling in Canada. We’ll discuss habits to avoid, resources to note, and much more. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Responsible gambling is the act of betting in a way that is within one's means, with clear limits set, and keen insight into the inherent risks of sports betting online. Responsible gambling is understanding that sports betting sites have a built-in edge, and betting is not a long-term way to make money, it is for entertainment.

Understanding the risks and rewards of online betting sites will ensure that gamblers are able to be self-aware about their gambling habits. Having a sense of what you want to get out of your betting experience, and sticking to that is important. Knowing what your limits are will be instrumental, as this will allow gamblers to be aware on the chance they start stepping outside of those limits.

Responsible gambling is largely about budgeting and understanding how the system works. It is all too easy to get caught up in the flashy potential parlays and feel like you can outsmart the system. But ultimately, this is meant to be entertainment, not a get-rich-quick ticket. Smart habits and a cautious approach are essential, because gambling can be addictive.

For those wondering whether their habits are responsible or potentially problematic, there are ways to check. Take a look at the gambling self-assessment quiz for unbiased insights into your gambling behaviour.

If gamblers start backsliding into behaviour that is harmful, there are plenty of resources out there. The government and non-profits offer services designed to encourage responsible gambling in Canada. Knowing where to find help, if gamblers do end up needing it, is incredibly important.

There are many national and regional organizations that are built to provide users with the assistance and support they need to either stop gambling or get back to gambling in a way that is no longer harmful. Below, let’s take a look at some of the crucial national  resources to be aware of to avoid or overcome dangerous sports betting habits.

Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)

• Description: The Responsible Gambling Council is an independent non-profit organization that has been helping gamblers in Canada for 40 years. They seek to advance responsible gambling through providing knowledge on the impact of gambling with research, offering useful information to readers, and connecting those in need of assistance with community resources.
• Website: Responsible Gambling Council

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction

• Description: The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction is a government organization that was created by an act of Parliament in the 1980s. It is primarily intended for those struggling with substance abuse, but also offers assistance for those dealing with other kinds of addiction, including gambling. They have information on the policies and resources in Canada relating to gambling, as well as experts people can get in touch with for assistance.
• Website: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction

Provincial Help Lines

• Description: Provinces across Canada offer users different helplines and provincial resources that are designed to be useful on a more local level. These help lines are often 24/7 free ways to connect with professionals in the industry who can help bettors get the assistance they need, and are more aware of the different support options in your local jurisdiction. These provincial options are the primary way gamblers should seek support.
• Website: Different for each province, see table below.

Everyone seeks help in different ways. What works for one person might not work for another. That is why it is so beneficial that non-profits and government organizations provide a huge range of different kinds of support options.

There are many ways for gamblers to seek assistance, ranging from counseling to self-exclusion. If you are navigating difficulties while sports betting, then it makes a lot of sense to check out the different kinds of options available to find the one that works best for you.

Below we’ll take a look at some of the different kinds of options available.

Phone Counselling

This is the most commonly offered resource, as it is provided by every province. This is ideal for bettors who need someone to talk to. Most provinces offer completely free and anonymous 24/7 gambling counselling, where bettors can talk to experienced professionals about their concerns. These professionals can hear people out and direct them to further assistance.

Self-Exclusion

Many provincial lottery companies, like OLG and Bien Jouer, offer self-exclusion services. These allow gamblers to set limitations on their ability to deposit into websites. Further, most sportsbooks will also include self-exclusion capabilities. This is important, because betting beyond your limits is a key part of irresponsible gambling, and self-exclusion limits peoples’ ability to do that.

Self-Assessment

It is hard to treat a problem if you don’t know you have a problem. Self-assessment resources enable gamblers to take quizzes and surveys that will show them whether or not their behaviour is problematic. Many websites, from the Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline to Connex include self-assessment features. This is not a way to fix irresponsible gambling, but it is important for bettors who are wondering whether their actions may be veering off into this territory.

Financial Management Resources

Financial management resources are educational tools designed to teach bettors how to budget for sports betting. They are simple online resources that include articles and videos teaching gamblers how to stay within their limits and avoid dangerous gambling habits. This is something that is offered on many provincial gambling resources, including Wise Play and the Nova Scotia Health- Gambling websites.

For bettors who want to avoid the dangers of problem gambling, there are many straightforward ways to do so. Below, we’ll break down some of the key tips for responsible betting that can ensure gamblers stay safe and keep betting fun.

• Set Reasonable Limits: Before you ever place your first bet, it is important to set limits. Create a firm budget plan, with how much you are willing to deposit and how much you are willing to wager on a single bet. Then stick to that.
• Use Trustworthy Platforms: One area that can’t be overlooked is the importance of using a safe, reliable platform. There are many unlicensed, unsafe sportsbooks out there. At BettingTop10, we rank a variety of sportsbooks. Our ranking methodology is vigorous, emphasizing safety and security as a priority.
• Look at Betting as Entertainment, Not Income: Betting is meant to be fun. It is not a source of income. You may win some bets, but the industry is as profitable as it is because long-term, the house tends to win.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help: If you feel you are backsliding into behaviour that is problematic, don’t be ashamed. There is so much help out there, and accessing these resources is a great way to get back to sturdier ground.
• Never Borrow Money for Betting: This is a cardinal sin that must be avoided at all costs. If you are borrowing money, and using that money to bet, you are gambling far beyond your means.
• Self-Exclude: Self-exclusion tools are a great way to ensure bettors don’t accidentally start betting above their budget. Many sportsbooks offer self-exclusion tools for gamblers.

Sports betting is meant to be fun. It is not meant to be a way to change your financial future. One of the primary concerns with betting is that many people are prone to falling into unhealthy habits that are a drain on their mental health and financial resources. The good news is, there are plenty of resources out there designed to help.

There is no shame in seeking assistance for gambling habits that have become problematic. With support lines, educational resources, and counselling options, getting the help needed is the bravest thing people can do.

Overall, the best way to stay safe is to remain aware and vigilant. Gambling is a blast, but it can also be a genuine addiction. Remaining safe, responsible, and alert will ensure that sports betting stays fun. Responsibility is essential, so stay self-aware and don’t be afraid to access the many available resources if needed. 

If you’ve still got questions, we’ve got answers. Below we are breaking down some of the most frequently asked questions about responsible gambling in Canada.