Responsible Gambling Resources
Sports betting should be entertainment, not a financial strategy. I say this as someone who has placed close to two thousand hockey bets — I've had losing streaks, I've chased losses, and I've learned where the line is between fun and problem. If betting stops feeling fun, it's time to step back.
Know the Warning Signs
Problem gambling doesn't always look dramatic. It can start subtly — betting more than you planned, chasing losses after a bad night, or feeling anxious when you can't check your bets. Here are signs that your gambling might be becoming a problem:
- Betting more money than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses by increasing your wager amounts
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund betting
- Spending more time betting than you intended
- Lying to family or friends about your betting activity
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back
- Neglecting work, relationships, or responsibilities because of betting
- Using betting as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
If any of these apply to you, reach out to ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. The call is free, confidential, and available around the clock.
Self-Exclusion Programme
iGaming Ontario offers a province-wide self-exclusion programme that blocks you from all AGCO-licensed sportsbooks simultaneously. You don't need to contact each operator individually — one registration covers every regulated platform in Ontario.
To enrol, visit the iGaming Ontario self-exclusion page at igamingontario.ca/en/player/self-exclusion. The process is confidential and can be completed online. Self-exclusion periods range from six months to permanent, depending on your needs.
Set Limits Before You Start
Every AGCO-licensed sportsbook in Ontario is required to offer responsible gambling tools. I'd encourage every new bettor to set these limits before placing their first wager:
- Deposit limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly maximum on how much you can deposit. I set mine at $100/week when I started, and it's still there.
- Loss limits: Cap your total losses over a set period. Once reached, you're locked out until the period resets.
- Session time reminders: Get a notification after a set amount of time spent on the platform. A simple "you've been active for 60 minutes" can be surprisingly effective.
- Cooling-off periods: Temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days without permanent self-exclusion.
Additional Resources
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 or connexontario.ca for live chat
- Responsible Gambling Council: responsiblegambling.org — educational resources and self-assessment tools
- iGaming Ontario Self-Exclusion: igamingontario.ca/en/player/self-exclusion
- Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO): greo.ca — research and evidence-based prevention
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): camh.ca — comprehensive addiction services
Sports betting can be a fun way to engage with hockey, but it should never come at the cost of your financial stability, mental health, or relationships. Set your limits, stick to them, and reach out for help if you need it.