What is Self-Exclusion and How Does It Work?
Self-exclusion in Canada can provide a lifeline for individuals seeking to regain control over their gambling habits. By voluntarily signing up for these programs, participants commit to self exclude from gambling for a chosen period, offering a practical solution to manage potentially harmful gambling behaviors. From casino games and slots to online platforms, these programs help limit access to gambling across different regions and games.
Why Consider Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a powerful tool for anyone who feels gambling is impacting their finances, relationships, or overall well-being. If gambling is causing stress, health problems, or has shifted from a source of entertainment to a source of concern, self-exclusion could be a supportive first step. Many people choose self-exclusion in Canada as a way to break free from unhealthy gambling patterns, allowing time to refocus on their goals and rebuild a balanced lifestyle.
How Self-Exclusion Programs Differ Across Canada
Each Canadian province and territory has its own self-exclusion program, tailored to the specific types of gambling available within its jurisdiction. These programs typically cover all Canadian casinos and gaming venues, and many also include online gambling and sports betting. In this guide, we’ll break down the details of self-exclusion programs available in each Canadian province, the types of games they cover (such as slots, blackjack, and lottery), and how to enroll.
Self-Exclusion in Canada by Province
Self-Exclusion in Alberta
- Program: AGLC’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Applies To: All AGLC-licensed casinos, Racing Entertainment Centres (RECs), and VLT locations.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and other table games. AGLC’s self-exclusion also covers any venue with VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals), but it does not include online gambling or lottery ticket purchases.
- Details: Major casinos included are Casino Calgary, Century Casino Edmonton, and River Cree Resort & Casino. Enroll at GameSense Info Centres at any casino or REC.
- Contact: AGLC Social Responsibility Branch at 780-447-7582 or 1-800-272-8876.
Self-Exclusion in British Columbia
- Program: BCLC’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, Gamesense.
- Applies To: All BCLC-regulated casinos, community gaming centres, and the online gaming platform PlayNow.com.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, table games, lottery products, and all online gambling games on PlayNow.com (includes sportsbook, online slots, and live dealer games).
- Details: Includes popular venues like River Rock Casino Resort, Parq Vancouver, and Cascades Casino Kamloops. Enroll at any GameSense Info Centre in these casinos or by contacting BCLC.
- Contact: BCLC Customer Support at 1-866-815-0222.
Self-Exclusion in Manitoba
- Program: MLL’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Applies To: All Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MLL) casinos, VLT locations, and online PlayNow Manitoba.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, other table games, and all games on PlayNow Manitoba (online slots, live dealer games, sportsbook, etc.). VLT locations across Manitoba are also covered.
- Details: Major casinos like Club Regent Casino and McPhillips Station Casino are included. Enrollment is available at GameSense Info Centres or through Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
- Contact: Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Security Office at 204-957-2500 ext. 8468.
Self-Exclusion in Ontario
- Self-Exclusion in Ontario
- Program: iGaming Ontario’s My PlayBreak Program.
- Applies To: All Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)-licensed casinos, charitable bingo and gaming centres, and online gaming sites licensed by iGaming Ontario, including OLG.ca and other regulated online platforms.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, table games, sports betting, lottery, and all online gambling activities across regulated platforms.
- Details: My PlayBreak allows individuals to self-exclude from participating in OLG-operated land-based gaming venues and iGaming Ontario-licensed online platforms. Enrollment in My PlayBreak is available at PlaySmart Centres within OLG casinos, through a simple online process, or by contacting customer support. Options for self-exclusion terms include 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or an indefinite period.
- Return to Play: Once the chosen self-exclusion term is completed, players may apply for reinstatement. This includes attending a responsible gaming session, if required, to discuss strategies for safe gaming before returning.
- Contact: Reach OLG Customer Care at 1-800-387-0098, or visit any PlaySmart Centre.
Self-Exclusion in New Brunswick
- Program: NBLGC’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Applies To: Casino New Brunswick and any New Brunswick Gaming Control Act-regulated casino or VLT location.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, table games, and VLTs. Does not cover lottery tickets or online gaming.
- Details: Primarily applicable to Casino New Brunswick in Moncton. Enrollment is available at the Responsible Gaming Information Centre (RGIC) within the casino.
- Contact: RGIC at Casino New Brunswick at 506-861-4699.
Self-Exclusion in Nova Scotia
- Program: Nova Scotia Gaming’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Applies To: NSPLCC-licensed casinos, all VLT locations, and any land-based gambling venue in Nova Scotia.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, table games, and VLTs. Excludes lottery tickets and online gambling.
- Details: This program includes Casino Nova Scotia Halifax and Casino Nova Scotia Sydney. Registration can be completed at the Responsible Gambling Resource Centres in these casinos.
- Contact: 902-424-8663 (Halifax) or 902-563-3797 (Sydney).
Self-Exclusion in Prince Edward Island
- Program: PlayWise Information Centres
- Applies To: All Red Shores locations, including both racetrack casinos on the island.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, table games, and VLTs. Excludes lottery products and online gambling.
- Details: Players can self-exclude from Red Shores at Charlottetown and Red Shores at Summerside. Enroll at the PlayWise Information Centre or with any staff member.
- Contact: PlayWise Information Centre at Red Shores at 902-620-4267.
Self-Exclusion in Quebec
- Program: Loto-Québec’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Applies To: All Loto-Québec casinos, gaming halls, and the online platform Espacejeux.com.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, table games, VLTs, and all online games on Espacejeux.com (includes sportsbook and lottery).
- Details: Major casinos like Casino de Montréal, Casino de Charlevoix, Casino de Mont-Tremblant, and Casino du Lac-Leamy are included. Players can enroll at customer service desks in these casinos or at designated help centres.
- Contact: Visit Loto-Québec’s website for more details.
Self-Exclusion in Saskatchewan
- Program: SIGA’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Applies To: All Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) casinos across the province.
- Games Covered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and table games. Excludes online gambling and lottery tickets.
- Details: Covers casinos like Northern Lights Casino, Gold Eagle Casino, Dakota Dunes Casino, Bear Claw Casino, and others. Enrollment can be requested at any SIGA casino.
- Contact: Enrollment is available directly at any SIGA casino.
Self-Exclusion in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon
- Program: No formal self-exclusion programs for land-based or online gambling venues.
- Games Covered: Not applicable, as these territories lack formal casinos or regulated gambling sites.
- Details: Currently, no formal self-exclusion programs are available in these territories. Support is accessible through local helplines.
- Contact:
- Northwest Territories: 1-800-661-0844
- Nunavut: 1-800-265-3333
- Yukon: 1-866-456-3838
Can You Remove Self-Exclusion in Canada?
Self-exclusion programs in Canada are designed to help individuals take a break from gambling for a set period, typically from 6 months to several years, or even indefinitely. The specifics of whether and how you can remove yourself from a self-exclusion program vary by province and depend on the terms set at enrollment.
Temporary vs. Permanent Self-Exclusion
Most programs for self-exclusion in Canada offer temporary self-exclusion options (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, 3 years) as well as permanent or indefinite exclusion. Temporary exclusions are often non-reversible during the agreed period. In contrast, some permanent or indefinite exclusions might allow for removal after a minimum commitment period, usually through a formal process.
Process to Remove Self-Exclusion
- Wait for the Self-Exclusion Period to End: For those on temporary self-exclusion, you typically need to complete the chosen exclusion term. After this period, you may contact the relevant gaming authority or operator to request reinstatement.
- Formal Reinstatement Process: In many provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia, players must follow a formal reinstatement process after their self-exclusion term ends. This process often includes:
- Submitting a Written Request: You may need to submit a written request to the gaming authority, indicating your intent to return to gambling.
- Attending a Meeting or Counseling Session: Some programs require you to attend a meeting with a responsible gaming advisor or site representative to discuss safe gambling practices before reinstating your access.
- Reinstatement of Marketing Restrictions: If your self-exclusion involved removing you from marketing and promotional lists, you may need to contact customer support separately to opt back into these communications.
Examples by Province
- Ontario (My PlayBreak): If you enrolled before September 12, 2022, a formal return process includes submitting a request and attending a meeting. For those enrolling on or after that date, automatic renewal options will be offered, and if not renewed, your exclusion will end without additional steps.
- British Columbia (BCLC): Reinstatement is only allowed after completing the term of your self-exclusion, after which you may contact BCLC for further steps.
- Alberta (AGLC): After completing the self-exclusion period, participants may request to be removed from the program, usually through a meeting with a GameSense advisor.
Important Considerations
Self-exclusion removal isn’t immediate and requires careful consideration. Before re-entering the gaming environment, it’s essential to assess whether you feel ready to gamble responsibly and whether additional support may be beneficial. You may want to consult with a responsible gaming counselor or reach out to support groups like Gambler’s Anonymous to prepare for a safe return to gambling.
Conclusion: Choosing Self-Exclusion in Canada for Responsible Gambling
Self-exclusion programs across Canada provide a supportive, practical solution for individuals looking to take control of their gambling habits. With options tailored by province, from land-based casinos to online platforms, these programs offer flexibility and accessibility, empowering individuals to make choices that align with their well-being. Whether you’re seeking a short-term break or a long-term commitment, self-exclusion can help you refocus and create a healthier relationship with gambling. Remember, help is always available—take advantage of the resources in your area, and don’t hesitate to reach out to support groups, family, or friends for added guidance on your journey to responsible gambling.