Responsible gambling

Updated 9 November 2026

Demos are a good way to learn how a slot works without spending anything. Real-money play is different: treat it as paid entertainment, with money you’ve already decided you can lose.

Before you play for real

• Decide your budget and your time limit before you open the cashier.
• Treat any money you deposit as spent.
• Never borrow to gamble, or use money meant for bills.
• Don’t chase losses. The next spin doesn’t know about the last one.
• A good run in a demo says nothing about your next real session.

Tools a casino should offer

• Deposit, loss and session-time limits.
• Reality checks that show how long you’ve been playing.
• Cooling-off periods and self-exclusion.

Warning signs

• Spending more than you planned, more often.
• Hiding how much you gamble from people close to you.
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back.
• Gambling to win back losses or to escape problems.

Free, confidential support

• ConnexOntario: 24/7 in Ontario, 1-866-531-2600.
• Responsible Gambling Council: tools and information across Canada.
• GamTalk: anonymous online peer support, 24/7.

Outside Ontario, your provincial health line or your lottery corporation’s responsible gambling program can connect you with local services.

Age limits

You must be 19 or older in most provinces and territories, and 18 or older in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec.