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What Is Safer Gambling?
Learn the low-risk strategies that can help keep gambling safe and fun.
Safer gambling means you’re using low-risk strategies when you gamble, like sticking to a budget when you play. If you’re unsure about whether or not your habits are leading you down a risky path, consider the questions below. If you answer “no” to any of them, you might be exhibiting signs of a problem.
Are you a safe gambler?
- Do you consider gambling just one of many recreational activities you pursue?
- Do your bets stay within the limits of what you can afford? Are they reasonable and calculated?
- Do you find it easy to stop gambling?
- Do you realize that winning can be fun, but it isn’t everything?
- Do you recognize that losing can be disappointing, but it isn’t everything?
- Do you understand that your chances of winning are often very small?
Characteristics of safer gambling
People who use safer gambling strategies typically think of gambling as just one form of entertainment. They factor gambling into their household budget by setting spending limits and sticking to them. They don’t expect to win back money they’ve lost, nor do they think of gambling as a way to earn money. It’s important to remember that all gambling activities have risk and to enjoy safer gambling, you must be aware of the risks and how you can minimize them.
Tips for safer gambling
Learn strategies for playing safe and reducing potential harms.
Safe Gambling TipsSafer Gambling Information Brochures
Download our brochures for more information on gambling, tips for safer play and resources you can access.
Player resource centres in Canada
Most regions have player resource centres located in land-based gambling venues. You can visit these centres to access more information on safer gambling, how the games work, and resources available to you.
- Alberta
GameSense Info Centres (GSICs) are interactive kiosks located on or near the gaming floor in all Alberta casinos and community gaming centres. At GSICs, you’ll find information and resources to help you make informed gambling decisions. Services are completely free.
- British Columbia
The interactive GameSense Info Centre (GSIC) or satellite GSIC can be found in every casino and community gaming centre in the province. GSICs feature: GameSense Advisors who can provide information and support, demonstration slot machines, touch-screen, interactive, responsible gambling kiosks, and computers that connect you to additional resources online.
- Manitoba
GameSense Advisors at McPhillips Station and Club Regent Casinos are available between 2 and 10 p.m. daily to discuss any gaming related questions you may have. You can try their interactive resources that explain randomness, house advantage and what it costs to play over time so you can learn the games and keep it fun.
- New Brunswick
Responsible Gaming Information Centre
The Responsible Gaming Information Centre (RGIC), which is located in Casino New Brunswick, is a service available to casino patrons, casino staff, members of the public, and other professionals wishing information about responsible gaming. The RGIC provides a variety of materials designed to help inform and educate players and others.
- Nova Scotia
Responsible Gambling Resource Centres
Responsible Gambling Resource Centres are located on-site at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax and Sydney near the main lobbies. The centres are managed by staff trained in addictions and crisis management from Shepell FGI. Staff can offer information on how games work, the odds of winning and losing, and myths about gambling. You can also take an interactive tutorial or get tips for staying on track and on budget.
- Ontario
PlaySmart Centres are located at all Ontario casinos and charitable bingo and gaming locations. Players can visit the centres to learn how games work through interactive game kiosks, videos or by speaking with professionally-trained staff. Find a PlaySmart Centre near you.
- Prince Edward Island
Visit PlayWise Information Centre locations in Charlottetown and Summerside to pick up information on responsible gambling, problem gambling, and gambling products offered.
- Quebec
Centre du hasard information kiosks have been installed in all Québec casinos, Trois‑Rivières and Québec City gaming halls as well as at Loto-Québec’s head office in Montréal. The Centre du hasard kiosks are designed to inform visitors and players about the nature of games of chance, raise awareness about risks associated with various forms of gambling and suggest strategies to lower the risk of losing control over gambling habits.
- Saskatchewan
SIGA’s GameSense includes staff awareness and training on problem gambling, promoting available services, and providing information and resources so customers can make informed gaming decisions.
- Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon
There are no currently available player resource centres 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
- Northwest Territories General Help Line
Take the Self-Assessment Quiz
Find out how your gambling habits measure up to the average gambler.
When is gambling a problem?
Gambling becomes a problem when you have trouble stopping.