Responsible gambling: limits, breaks and support

Gambling can harm your finances, relationships and wellbeing. Choosing not to gamble is always an option. This guide explains practical limits, ways to take a break and where to find support in the United States and Canada.

Decide your limits before you start

• Keep money for food, housing, bills and other essentials separate. Never borrow to gamble.
• Decide how much time and money you can lose before starting. Use available account limits and session reminders to support that decision.
• Take breaks and avoid gambling when stressed or upset, or while using alcohol or drugs.
• Do not increase your budget to recover a loss. A previous result does not make a future win something you are owed.

Gambling is not a plan for earning income. Limits can help you manage behaviour, but they cannot make gambling risk-free. The Responsible Gambling Council's risk-reduction advice (opens in a new tab) explains these steps.

Notice when gambling is becoming a problem

Spending more than intended, finding it difficult to stop, borrowing money, hiding gambling or trying to recover losses are reasons to pause and seek support. You do not need to wait for a crisis before speaking to someone. These signs are prompts for a conversation, not a diagnosis. ConnexOntario describes common warning signs and support options (opens in a new tab).

Use a break or self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is an agreement to stay away from specified gambling services for a chosen period. Ask the operator or your state or provincial program how to enrol, which services it covers, how long it lasts and what happens when it ends. Do not assume one exclusion covers every website or venue.

A support service can help you consider next steps, including limiting access to gambling and getting help from someone you trust. The Responsible Gambling Council explains self-exclusion and lists Canadian regional programs (opens in a new tab).

Find support for your location

• United States: the National Council on Problem Gambling (opens in a new tab) provides help and treatment information, including a route to local support.
• Ontario: ConnexOntario (opens in a new tab) offers information and referrals for people concerned about their own or someone else's gambling. This is an Ontario service, not a Canada-wide helpline.
• Elsewhere in Canada: use the regional resources listed by the Responsible Gambling Council (opens in a new tab) and check the program for your province or territory.

Big Win Week does not provide treatment or crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency service.

Keep highlight videos in perspective

Our videos and member submissions select individual moments; they do not show a typical gambling session or predict your results. Community stories are moderated member statements, not advice to copy a bet. You do not need to chase a win to participate.

For adult audiences. Gambling eligibility and minimum ages vary by location and product. Follow the rules where you are physically located.

Sources checked October 1, 2026. Use the linked organizations for their current contact methods and program details.