Self-exclusion and limits: tools to control your gambling
Limits, time-outs and self-exclusion work best when you set them before you need them.
You can control online gambling with deposit, loss and time limits, short time-outs or self-exclusion for months or years. Ontario has a centralized self-exclusion program run through iGaming Ontario, and operators elsewhere offer their own tools. Set limits before you play and ask support if you need help.
Control tools exist for a reason: most people find it hard to stop in the moment. A rule you set in advance does the work for you. Before you decide, check our online casino ranking for Canada.
This guide explains each tool and where to get free help in Canada. You must be of legal age in your province to gamble.
What limits can you set?
| Tool | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps deposits per day, week or month | Budget control |
| Loss limit | Ends play after a set loss | Preventing chasing |
| Wager limit | Caps total bets in a period | Limiting action |
| Session limit | Ends the session after a set time | Time control |
| Reality check | Pop-up showing time and spend | Awareness |
Lowering a limit usually takes effect immediately, while raising it is delayed. Use the budget calculator to choose a figure.
What is a time-out?
A time-out blocks your account for a short fixed period, typically from a day to several weeks, and lets you return afterwards. It suits people who want a break after a bad session or who feel their play is rising.
How does self-exclusion work?
Self-exclusion bars you from a site or a group of sites for a chosen period, often from months up to several years. The operator closes the account, stops marketing and should refuse new registrations. Durations and rules vary by operator and province, so read the terms.
In Ontario, iGaming Ontario has launched a centralized program, reported in 2026 as BetGuard, that lets adults exclude from all regulated sites with one registration. Confirm the details and how to enrol on the iGaming Ontario website. It covers regulated sites only, not offshore ones.
What about offshore sites and other provinces?
Other provinces offer their own tools through platforms such as PlayNow and Espacejeux. Offshore casinos may have self-exclusion, but it applies only to that brand or group, and enforcement varies. If you want a wider barrier, use blocking software on your devices, ask your bank about gambling transaction blocks and tell someone you trust.
Where can you get help?
- ConnexOntario, 1-866-531-2600, free and confidential in Ontario.
- Gambling Support BC, 1-888-795-6111, 24 hours.
- Responsible Gambling Council, with information and a treatment locator.
- Gamblers Anonymous, peer support meetings.
- Your family doctor or a mental health professional.
See also our responsible gambling page and the anonymous self-assessment.
What to do after you self-exclude
Remove saved cards and apps, unsubscribe from marketing email and avoid other gambling sites. Self-exclusion is not a punishment. It is a pause to rebuild control, and many people combine it with counselling or peer support. If you feel the urge to circumvent it, contact a help line the same day.
How can friends and family help?
Many people find it easier to stay on track when someone knows. You can ask a trusted person to check your bank statements, share your limits with them or agree on a signal when you feel pressure to play. Family members can also contact support services for advice without sharing your name. Support is available for families as well as for players.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reverse self-exclusion early?
Usually not. Regulated programs lock the period you chose and require a waiting time and sometimes a request to return after it ends. This is deliberate. If you are unsure, pick a shorter period first, but remember that the barrier works because it is difficult to undo.
Do limits apply across all my casinos?
No. Limits are set per operator unless you use a centralized program. If you play at more than one site, set limits at each one, or consider blocking software. Keep a record of all your deposits so that the total stays within the budget you decided.
Is help confidential?
Yes. Services such as ConnexOntario and Gambling Support BC are free and confidential, and you do not have to give your name. Counselors can discuss options without judgement, including treatment, support groups and self-exclusion, and can help you plan what to tell family or friends.