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Responsible Gaming

Responsible Gaming in Canada

Verified 2026-07-28

Problem gambling (GB, PGSI 8+)
2.7%
reference figure
GSGB 2024
Moderate risk (GB)
3.1%
+ 8.8% low risk
GSGB 2024
Global problem rate
~2%
of participants
Estimates
ConnexOntario
1-866-531-2600
free, 24/7
ConnexOntario

Canadian regulators assess gambling risk with the same instrument used internationally — the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Comparable national data is clearest in Great Britain, where the 2024 survey found 2.7% of adults in the problem range, a further 3.1% at moderate risk and 8.8% at low risk; men and young adults are consistently the higher-risk groups. Globally, roughly 2% of gambling participants are estimated to experience problem gambling.

Support and self-exclusion in Canada

  • ConnexOntario — free, confidential help 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600 (Ontario).
  • Provincial self-exclusion — operated through each province’s regulator or Crown operator; Ontario’s applies across registered operators.
  • National and provincial responsible-gambling programmes provide deposit and time limits, reality checks and cooling-off tools.
If gambling is causing harm, help is free and available now. Ontario/Canada: ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 · Across Canada, every province funds a problem-gambling helpline. You do not have to wait for a crisis to call.

Sources & notes

  1. UKGC GSGB 2024 (PGSI reference figures).
  2. ConnexOntario (Ontario helpline); provincial responsible-gambling programmes.