Responsible Gambling at Interac Casinos
Responsible Gambling: Staying in Control
Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment for millions of Canadians. For most people, playing at an online casino is a leisure activity, no different from going to a hockey game or catching a movie. But for some, gambling can become a source of harm. This page exists to help you understand the risks, recognise warning signs, and find the support you need, whether for yourself or someone you care about.
If you are in distress right now and need to speak with someone, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (free, confidential, available 24/7) or reach out to a responsible gambling helpline in your province. You do not have to be in crisis to call. Any concern about gambling is a valid reason to reach out.
This site is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, please do not gamble.
Understanding Problem Gambling
Problem gambling is not simply about losing money. It is a pattern of behaviour that disrupts daily life, relationships, finances, and mental health. It can develop gradually, and many people do not realise they have a problem until significant harm has already occurred. Online gambling, because of its convenience and around-the-clock availability, can carry particular risks for vulnerable individuals.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction estimates that a meaningful percentage of Canadians experience some level of gambling-related harm in their lifetime. Problem gambling affects people of all backgrounds, income levels, and ages. There is no personality type that makes someone immune.
Signs That Gambling May Be Becoming a Problem
The following signs are common indicators that gambling has moved from recreation into something more serious. Be honest with yourself when reading this list:
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you originally planned
- Chasing losses by continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back money you have lost
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you try to cut back or stop gambling
- Lying to family, friends, or coworkers about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using savings meant for bills or essentials to fund gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, depression, loneliness, or other difficult emotions
- Neglecting work, school, or personal responsibilities because of gambling
- Continuing to gamble despite repeated attempts to stop or reduce
- Thinking about gambling constantly, including planning your next session or reliving past wins
- Feeling guilt or shame after a gambling session but returning anyway
If several of these signs resonate with you, please speak to a professional. Recognising a problem is not a weakness. It is the first and most important step toward regaining control.
Safer Gambling Tools Available at Online Casinos
Reputable online casinos that accept Interac and operate in the Canadian market are required, under their international licensing conditions, to provide a range of player-protection tools. These tools exist to support you, and using them is a sign of responsible play, not a sign that something is wrong. You are always entitled to request these features from your casino's support team.
Deposit Limits
Deposit limits let you cap how much money you can add to your casino account over a chosen period: daily, weekly, or monthly. Once the limit is reached, the casino will not accept further deposits until the period resets. Most casinos allow you to lower a deposit limit immediately, but require a cooling-off period (often 24 to 72 hours) before a limit can be raised. This delay gives you time to reconsider.
Loss Limits
A loss limit restricts the total amount you can lose within a set timeframe. When your net losses reach that ceiling, your session is suspended until the period ends. This tool is particularly effective for players who find it difficult to stop after a string of losses.
Wager and Bet Limits
Some casinos allow you to set a maximum stake per bet or per spin. This can slow down losses and reduce the intensity of a session, which is useful if you find high-stakes play difficult to manage.
Session Time Limits and Reality Checks
Time limits close your session after a defined period of play. Reality check reminders pop up at regular intervals to tell you how long you have been playing and how much you have won or lost. These prompts are easy to dismiss, but even a brief pause can help you make a more considered decision about whether to continue.
Cooling-Off Periods
A cooling-off period temporarily suspends your account for a set number of days or weeks. During this time you cannot log in or gamble. This is a good option if you feel you need a short break without committing to a longer exclusion.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is a formal agreement between you and the casino to close your account for an extended period, typically ranging from six months to several years, or permanently. The casino is obligated to close your account, refund any remaining balance, and remove you from marketing lists. Most licensing bodies that govern Canadian-facing casinos also participate in cross-operator exclusion schemes, meaning a single request may block access across multiple platforms.
If you are considering self-exclusion, you can also contact GameSense, operated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, or your provincial gambling authority for guidance on multi-operator exclusion programs available in your region.
Getting Help: Canadian Resources
You do not need to face gambling harm alone. The following organisations offer free, confidential support across Canada:
| Organisation | Contact | Available |
|---|---|---|
| ConnexOntario (Ontario) | 1-866-531-2600 | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Problem Gambling Helpline (BC) | 1-888-795-6111 | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Gambling Help Online (national) | gamblinghelponline.org.au (note: also serves Canadians via chat) | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Alberta Gambling Help Line | 1-800-522-4700 | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Jeu: aide et référence (Québec) | 1-800-461-0140 | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Manitoba Problem Gambling Help Line | 1-800-463-1554 | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
If you are unsure which resource applies to your province, calling ConnexOntario or dialling 211 can direct you to local services. Many provincial health authorities also offer in-person counselling and group support programs at no cost.
Tips for Keeping Gambling Safe and Enjoyable
For players who are not currently experiencing harm but want to maintain healthy habits, the following practices make a real difference:
- Set a firm budget before you start and treat any losses as the cost of entertainment, not money to be recovered
- Never gamble with money earmarked for rent, groceries, utilities, or loan repayments
- Set time limits on each session and honour them
- Take regular breaks, even during a winning streak
- Avoid gambling when you are tired, stressed, drinking, or feeling low
- Balance gambling with other hobbies and social activities
- Talk openly with someone you trust about how much you gamble
- Use the responsible gambling tools your casino offers as a matter of routine, not just in a crisis
Support for Family and Friends
Problem gambling does not only affect the person gambling. Partners, children, parents, and friends can experience significant emotional and financial strain. If someone close to you is struggling, you are not responsible for fixing their behaviour, but you can encourage them to seek help and protect your own wellbeing at the same time.
Gamblers Anonymous Canada offers peer support meetings for people affected by problem gambling, including a separate program called Gam-Anon for family members and loved ones. Meetings are available in person and online across the country.
A Final Note
This guide exists to provide information, not to promote gambling. We believe that access to honest, clear information about responsible gambling is essential for any Canadian who chooses to play online. If anything on this page has prompted a question or concern, please use the resources listed above. Help is available, it is free, and there is no shame in asking for it.
Must be 18 or older to gamble. If gambling is affecting your life, call ConnexOntario free at 1-866-531-2600.