Looking to take a break from gambling?
Taking a break from gambling can help you reset, reflect, and regain control.
Self-exclusion is a practical tool that allows you to step away from gambling environments for a set period of time. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, noticing changes in your habits, or simply want to take a pause, self-exclusion can create the space you need to refocus and build healthier routines. It’s a proactive step that puts you back in control of your decisions.
When and why to self-exclude:
- You find it difficult to stop or limit your gambling
- You are spending more money or time than planned
- Gambling is starting to affect your mood or relationships
- You feel the urge to chase losses
- You want to take a break and regain control
How does self-exclusion help?
Self-exclusion works by restricting your access to gambling platforms, venues, or accounts for a chosen period of time. This removes immediate temptation and helps you break the cycle of continuous play. It also gives you the opportunity to focus on other areas of your life and consider healthier habits without constant exposure to gambling.
What you can do if you want to gamble after you self-exclude:
- Remind yourself why you chose to take a break
- Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor
- Engage in alternative activities to distract and refocus your mind
- Review your goals and progress to stay motivated
Where to voluntarily self-exclude across Canada
Many provinces and operators in Canada offer voluntary self-exclusion tools, and the details vary by region and platform. The examples below show some of the main options available through official Canadian gambling providers and provincial programs.
- Ontario – OLG My PlayBreak (casinos and charitable gaming centres): a voluntary self-exclusion tool that lets players take a break from OLG-controlled play for a chosen period.
- Ontario – OLG.ca self-exclusion: OLG.ca offers a separate break option for online players, with access restrictions during the selected period.
- Ontario – iGaming Ontario BetGuard: BetGuard is a centralized self-exclusion tool for regulated iGaming sites in Ontario.
- Ontario – land-based registration locations: players can register for casino or charitable gaming self-exclusion through community support service locations.
- Quebec – Loto-Québec online self-exclusion: Loto-Québec offers self-exclusion for its online gambling site for periods from 3 months to 5 years.
- Quebec – casinos and gaming halls: Loto-Québec also provides self-exclusion for casinos and gaming halls, with the option to choose a duration and remain blocked for that period.
- Manitoba – Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program: Manitobans can self-exclude from Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries venues, PlayNow.com, or both.
- Saskatchewan – SIGA Voluntary Self-Exclusion: SIGA’s program bans a patron from Saskatchewan casinos and includes all SIGA and SaskGaming casinos.
- Atlantic region – Atlantic Lottery casinos: Atlantic Lottery’s self-exclusion program allows players to voluntarily ban themselves from the gaming floors of Atlantic Lottery Casinos.
- Nova Scotia – Casino Nova Scotia voluntary exclusion: Nova Scotia’s program lets people voluntarily ban themselves from the casinos in Halifax and Sydney.