Responsible Gambling
Sports betting should be entertainment, not a source of stress or financial hardship. I take responsible gambling seriously — it's why I set a monthly budget for my own testing and track every bet I place. If betting ever stops being fun, it's time to step back.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Warning signs include spending more money or time on gambling than you intend, borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble, feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling, lying to family or friends about your gambling activity, chasing losses by increasing bets to recover money, and neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
If you recognise any of these patterns in yourself or someone you know, help is available. You are not alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength.
Self-Exclusion Tools
Every AGCO-licensed sportsbook operating in Ontario is required to offer self-exclusion options. These tools allow you to voluntarily restrict your access to your betting account for a period of time — ranging from weeks to permanent exclusion. I encourage anyone who feels their betting is becoming problematic to use these tools immediately. You can typically find self-exclusion options in the account settings or responsible gambling section of any licensed sportsbook app.
Setting Limits
Most Ontario sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, loss limits, and session time limits. I recommend setting these when you first create your account — before you're in the middle of a betting session. Deciding your limits in advance, when you're thinking clearly, is far more effective than trying to exercise discipline in the moment.
- Deposit limits: Cap how much you can add to your account per day, week, or month
- Loss limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
- Session limits: Get notified or logged out after a set amount of time
- Reality checks: Periodic reminders showing how long you've been betting and your session results
Ontario Resources
Ontario has robust support systems for people affected by gambling:
- ConnexOntario: Call 1-866-531-2600 or visit connexontario.ca for phone, chat, and email support
- Responsible Gambling Council: responsiblegambling.org — research, education, and treatment referrals
- AGCO: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regulates all licensed sportsbooks and enforces responsible gambling standards
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): camh.ca — comprehensive addiction treatment services
My Approach
I set a testing budget before I review any sportsbook — typically $50 to $200 per platform. I track every bet in a spreadsheet. I never chase losses. I take breaks between testing sessions. These aren't just guidelines I recommend; they're habits I practise. If I notice my betting behaviour changing — spending more time on apps, feeling frustrated after losses, checking odds compulsively — I step back and take a break. I encourage you to do the same.
If gambling is affecting your life, please reach out. ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 is free, confidential, and available around the clock.