Looking to take a break from gambling?

Self-exclusion can be an effective tool to support your commitment to stay away from gambling. Find out if self-exclusion is
right for you.

Voluntary self-exclusion is a common program that has been adopted by many regions in North America, Australia, Europe, South Africa and Asia. Self-exclusion is a commitment you make to yourself by voluntarily entering into an agreement with online or land-based operators not to gamble for a chosen time. It can be an important first step in helping to control your gambling.

When and why to self-exclude:

  • You’re no longer having fun when you gamble
  • Gambling is causing you financial, health, or relationship problems
  • You feel you could benefit from taking a break
  • Gambling is causing you, or the people around you, undue stress
  • The urge to gamble is becoming uncontrollable and you are ready to change
  • You feel your gambling has “taken over” all aspects of your life and is causing physical, emotional, or psychological harm
  • Your focus is solely on winning back losses

How does self-exclusion help?

Self-exclusion provides people who are struggling with their gambling habits an opportunity to step away from gambling and refocus their lives and finances. It can provide you with access to additional community support to address your gambling and may also provide the needed support if you’re unsure of how to manage next steps in recovery.

What you can do if you want to gamble after you self-exclude:

  1. Consider seeking help by speaking to a representative, such as ConnexOntario, a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service available in Ontario or the National Problem Gambling Helpline if you’re in the USA. Find your local helpline.
  2. Find other rewarding activities to replace gambling
  3. Seek support like Gambler’s Anonymous, online forums and counselling
  4. For support, reach out to family and friends and let them know what you’re going through

Where to voluntarily self-exclude across Canada

  • Self-Exclusion in Alberta

    AGLC’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

    To access the program, visit a GameSense Info Centre and speak with a GameSense Advisor, or ask a security staff at any casino or REC. You can also visit the AGLC offices in St. Albert or Calgary, or call AGLC’s Social Responsibility Branch at 780-447-7582 or 1-800-272-8876.

  • Self-Exclusion in British Columbia

    BCLC’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

    Visit a GameSense Info Centre (located at all BC casinos and community gaming centres) and speak directly with a GameSense Advisor, or any staff member at the casino, community gaming centre or commercial bingo hall. You can also call BCLC’s customer support line at 1-866-815-0222 for more information or to set up an appointment at BCLC head offices in Kamloops or Vancouver.

  • Self-Exclusion in Manitoba

    MLL’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

    Visit the GameSense Info Centre or ask any venue staff to direct you to Security or the Casino Operations Manager in order to enrol in the program. You can also enrol at locations other than the casino. Contact Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Security Office at 204-957-2500 ext. 8468 to find out where you can enrol and to make an appointment.

  • Self-Exclusion in Ontario

    OLG’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

    To access the program, visit a staffed PlaySmart Centre or ask security staff at any casino or charitable bingo gaming centre in Ontario. You can also phone the OLG Support Centre line at 1-800-387-0098.

    OLG offers individuals who want to control or stop gambling a voluntary Self-Exclusion program.  Self-exclusion is a commitment you make with yourself. It’s a program you enter voluntarily and you agree not to visit certain gaming locations in Ontario, or play on PlayOLG.ca for a chosen period of time. The Self-Exclusion program is a tool you can use when you want to take a break from gambling. The program is entirely confidential. No one will know about your self-exclusion besides you, the program administrators, and those you choose to confide in.

    How self-exclusion in Ontario works:

    • You choose the length of time you want to be excluded: 6 months, one year, even indefinitely.
    • The program is completely confidential. No one will know besides you, the program administrators, and those you tell.
    • Once registered, you’ll be required to stop visiting Ontario casinos, Charitable Bingo and Gaming centres and/or PlayOLG.ca.
    • You will be removed from all OLG marketing lists.
    • Your photo will be included in OLG’s facial recognition database. Should you be detected at a gaming site, you will be escorted off the premises.
    • While in the Self-Exclusion program, you are not permitted to win prizes. Instead, winnings are invested in Ontario’s public services, like health care and education.

    Reinstating after OLG PlaySmart Self-Exclusion

    Once your self-exclusion period is up, and you feel that you can safely gamble again, you can apply to reinstate.

    Reinstating is a formal process. It requires that you follow appropriate procedures. To start the process, write a letter to casino security, if you’re reinstating from a casino, letting them know that you would like to return to gambling.  They will then send you an online tutorial that you must complete before attending an in-person meeting.  Once you meet with security and complete the appropriate paperwork, you may return to gambling 24 hours later.

    Learn more about self-exclusion now or call the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098.

     

    The choice to return is yours. Here are some questions to ask yourself before returning to gamble

    1. Do I have the same beliefs about gambling as I did before?
    2. How will my gambling be different this time?
    3. Am I prepared to set time and money limits?
    4. Am I prepared to leave bank and credit cards at home? 
    5. Why do I want to return to gambling?
    6. What are my thoughts on what gambling means/is?
    7. Am I planning to go for entertainment purposes?
    8. What measures/strategies do I have now that will help me set more realistic limits/expectations on myself?
    9. What will I do to gamble more safely and carefully?
    10.  Am I ready/willing to think/do things differently upon my return?
    11.  Have I shared this news/information with family or friends so I have some support?
    12.  Am I willing to stop again if I notice that I fall into the same patterns/situation?

  • Self-Exclusion in New Brunswick

    NBLGC’S Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

    To access the program, visit or call RGIC (Responsible Gaming Information Centre) at Casino New Brunswick at 506-861-4699.

  • Self-Exclusion in Nova Scotia

    Nova Scotia Gaming’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

    Visit the Responsible Gambling Resource Centre (located at both Nova Scotia casinos) or call 902-424-8663 (Halifax) or (902) 563-3797 (Sydney) to speak with one of our professional and friendly staff in order to access the program.

  • Self-Exclusion in Prince Edward Island

    PlayWise Information Centres

    The Self-Exclusion program allows any player to voluntarily ban themselves from the gaming floors at both Red Shores locations. To access the program, visit or call the PlayWise Information Centre at Red Shores at 902-620-4267.

  • Self-Exclusion in Quebec

    Loto Quebec’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

     To register to the program, go to:

  • Self-Exclusion in Saskatchewan

    SIGA’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

    To enrol in the Self-Exclusion program, a patron must make a specific request. The request can be made at any SIGA casino site.

  • Self-Exclusion in Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon

    There are no currently available Self-Exclusion programs at land-based venues. However, toll free gambling helplines are available:

    • Northwest Territories General Help Line: 1-800-661-0844
    • Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line: 1-800-265-3333
    • Yukon Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services: 1-866-456-3838

Can I register someone else for self-exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program across Canada. If you have concerns about someone else’s gambling, you can access help for yourself and your loved one.

Access Help

Visit a PlaySmart centre

PlaySmart centres are your go-to places for facts, tools and advice about gambling.

Locate a PlaySmart Centre

Get help for a gambling problem

There’s a treatment centre ready, willing and able to help you.

Find Local Help

How much do you spend gambling?

Calculate how much your spending on average gambling.

Calculate Cost2Play

Break your gambling habit

Get tips and advice on how to change your gambling behaviour.

Change Your Behaviour