Help CenterThat’s a brave and important question to ask! The fact that you're asking it is already a strong, self-awareness step.
Gambling can be fun entertainment, but when it starts to affect your finances, emotions, or relationships, it might be a sign that things are getting out of balance.
🧠 Signs You Might Have a Gambling Problem
If you say “yes” to several of the following, it could mean you're at risk – or already experiencing – a gambling problem:
🎲 Behavioural Signs
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Do you gamble more often or with more money than you intended?
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Do you chase your losses (keep gambling to win back money)?
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Have you tried to cut back or stop, but couldn't?
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Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to stop?
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Do you find yourself hiding gambling activity from others?
💵 Financial Signs
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Are you borrowing money, using savings, or selling things to gamble?
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Are you falling behind on bills or essentials because of gambling?
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Do you feel pressure to win back what you've lost?
🧍♂️ Emotional & Social Signs
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Is gambling causing you stress, guilt, anxiety, or depression?
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Are your relationships suffering because of your gambling?
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Have you missed work, school, or social events due to gambling?
🧪 Self-Assessment Tools
You can take a quick, private quiz to assess your risk. These are short and confidential:
🇨🇦 Help Available in Ontario
You are not alone, and help is free, non-judgmental, and confidential.
💬 Talk to Someone:
ConnexOntario: Free 24/7 support for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling.
Phone: 1-866-531-2600
Text CONNEX to 247247
Live Chat: connexontario.ca
They can connect you to free gambling counsellors and support groups in your area.
CAMH: Canada’s leading mental health centre with support for gambling and addiction.
Phone: 416-535-8501 or 1-800-463-2338
Email: webmaster@problemgambling.ca
🌐 camh.ca
Gamblers Anonymous Ontario: Offers in-person meetings at various locations around Ontario, Zoom meetings, telephone meetings, and a helpline
In-person meetings: gatoronto.ca/ga-meetings-by-nearest-city
Zoom meetings: gatoronto.ca/ga-zoom-meetings
Telephone meetings: gatoronto.ca/ga-telephone-meetings
Helpline: 1-855-222-5542
🧘♀️What You Can Do Right Now
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Self-exclude from the site
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Talk to a trusted friend or family member
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Reach out to a counsellor or support group (even one conversation can help)
💛 Remember:
A gambling problem isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a treatable behavioural issue, and you have every reason – and every right – to seek support and take care of your well-being.