Help
ConnexOntario and gambling help
In Ontario, ConnexOntario gives free, confidential help with gambling 24/7. The first contact can be by phone, by text or through its chat.
ConnexOntario, day and night
ConnexOntario offers free, confidential help with gambling in Ontario, and it answers 24/7. There are three ways to reach it. A person can call 1-866-531-2600, text CONNEX to 247247, or open the chat at connexontario.ca. All of them connect to one service, and it answers around the clock.
Some moments are more urgent than a question about gambling. In a crisis, the number is 988. That is the Suicide Crisis Helpline, and it also answers 24/7.
PlaySmart Centres
PlaySmart, at playsmart.ca, is the responsible-gambling site of OLG. Its PlaySmart Centres are at every OLG casino, and they are run with the Responsible Gambling Council. A visitor can find one on the casino property itself.
There is also a virtual PlaySmart Centre for anyone who is not at a casino. Its hours run from 11 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week, and the number is 1-833-888-2306. Holiday hours should be checked on playsmart.ca.
Taking a break
A set break from Ontario casinos, lasting 3 or 6 months or between 1 and 5 years, can be chosen through OLG's My PlayBreak. With a casino break, no Ontario casino allows entry. To enrol, a person contacts the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098, on-site staff, or a PlaySmart Centre. After it starts, the term cannot end early.
Online play has its own tool. BetGuard, at betguard.ca, is managed by iGaming Ontario and covers all online gambling sites that Ontario regulates, OLG.ca among them. Terms can be set at 6 months, at 1 year or at 5 years, or a person can pick a custom length. Land-based casinos fall outside its reach. A self-excluded person cannot join Great Canadian Rewards.
Questions
Who answers if help is needed at night?
ConnexOntario answers 24/7, free and in confidence. Call 1-866-531-2600, send a text reading CONNEX to 247247, or open the connexontario.ca chat.
Can a casino break through My PlayBreak be cancelled early?
No. Once chosen, a My PlayBreak term cannot be ended ahead of schedule. It runs for the full length chosen, from 3 months up to 5 years, and bars entry to any Ontario casino.