For some iGaming businesses, self-exclusion is a swear word they wish would disappear. But for the smartest and safest Canadian casinos, providing this responsible gambling tool presents an opportunity to build trust for their brand and empower customers to maintain control of their play.
To learn about casino self-exclusion and how to enrol, read this in-depth guide for all you need to know, plus hear real stories from Canadians players who have self-excluded from gambling sites.
Self-Exclusion as a Powerful Tool for Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be a lot of fun—until it’s not. When starting out at online casinos, the idea of responsible gambling might seem unnecessary or even overcautious for many players. You might think: “I know what I’m doing. My gambling is under control, and I can stop whenever I want.”
Thankfully, this is true for the vast majority of players. They can trust their gut, and gambling is never something they have to worry about. But for some, what begins as a fun-filled activity, becomes a habit difficult to manage—negatively impacting their finances, relationships and overall well-being.
For problem gamblers, self-exclusion programs in Canada can help them regain control until they’re ready to play responsibly—or quit playing for good.
What is Self Exclusion and How Does It Work?
Self-exclusion is a safety measure that allows players to block their own access to their online casino account upon request. If you think you’re spending too much money or time gambling, self-exclusion can help by removing the temptation entirely.
The length of self-exclusion varies by casino, with the minimum period typically being six months, though some platforms allow bans of up to five years or longer. During this time, casinos are legally required to deny access to players and refrain from sending gambling-related marketing materials.
The table below outlines the most common self-exclusion durations, their availability across platforms, and whether they can be reversed after completion:
Exclusion Period | Availability | Possibility for Reversal |
|---|---|---|
6 Months | Standard at most casinos | Yes, but only after the self-exclusion period ends. |
1 Year | Regularly available option | Yes, but only after the self-exclusion period ends. |
2 Years | Less frequently offered | Yes, but only after the self-exclusion period ends. |
5 Years | Often the maximum self-exclusion period at casinos | Yes, but only after the self-exclusion period ends. |
Permanent | Available on limited platforms | No, this measure is irreversible. |
Self-exclusion programs in Canada: How they work by province
In addition to account restrictions that players can set with online casinos themselves, some provinces run programs that cover all regulated sites operating under their respective licenses.
Ontario
Ontario players can join the iGaming Self-Exclusion Program, blocking access to all iGaming Ontario casinos and removing them from promotions. The minimum exclusion period is six months, with longer options available. Casino account reactivation requires a formal request after the term ends.
British Columbia
Players in BC can opt into Game Break, a province-wide program managed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). Participants select a term between six months and five years for self-exclusion. BCLC also offers budget setting tools and self-assessment resources to promote safer gambling in Canada.
Quebec
Loto-Québec runs a self-exclusion program for online casinos in Quebec, allowing a minimum six-month ban, with options extending up to five years. During this time, gaming accounts remain inaccessible, and self-excluded players won’t receive promotions or be able to create new profiles.
Living in Nova Scotia? Find out more about responsible gambling tools for Nova Scotia players.
How to Self-Exclude From Your Casino in a Few Easy Steps
If you're ready to step away from online gambling temporarily or permanently, self-exclusion can help you take stock and re-evaluate. Once active, the measure blocks access to one or more gambling sites—preventing logins, deposits, and play—so you can move forward with peace of mind.
Step 1
Log in to the casino you wish to self-exclude from.Step 2
Visit the responsible gambling section of the site.Step 3
The options available might include self exclusion, deposit limits, loss limits, sessions reminders, and so on.Step 4
Select ‘Self-exclusion’ and choose a timeframe (if multiple options are available).Step 5
Once confirmed, access to your casino account will be blocked for the selected period.Step 6
Any active account balance may be refunded, depending on the casino’s policy.Step 7
After your self-exclusion period ends, access to your casino account won’t be automatically reinstated. If you feel ready to return, you’ll need to contact the casino’s customer support to request reactivation.
Breaking Free: Real Stories from Self-Excluded Canadian Gamblers
Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment. But for those struggling to control their spending, self-exclusion is a crucial step toward regaining control and reassessing their relationship with gambling.
Let’s hear first-hand from players who’ve successfully used self-exclusion programs in Canada to either break their gambling habit or take a break and return to safer, more responsible play.
Self-Exclusion Helped Me Take Back Control
– David F, 45, Alberta
How Self-Exclusion Gave Me My Life Back
– Hilary C, 27, British Columbia
How to recognize if self-exclusion is right for you
There’s no definitive answer for whether self-exclusion is the right responsible gambling measure for you. Gambling risks vary, and every player experiences them differently. However, there are certain indications of problem gambling, where self-exclusion may be a better option for players than less restrictive measures. We’ll cover these less restrictive responsible gambling tools later on.
Before requesting self-exclusion, remember it’s a full commitment that completely blocks gambling and can’t be reversed until the chosen period ends. Self-exclusion is typically a last resort when other responsible gambling tools—like deposit limits, loss limits, etc.—haven’t been enough.
Worried you might have a gambling problem? Take this gambling self-assessment quiz developed by the Responsible Gambling Council.
Top Canadian Casinos Offering Self-Exclusion for Safer Play
While self-exclusion programs are vital for responsible gambling, many platforms also offer additional tools and measures. The table below shows the availability of these tools at Canada’s best online casinos, helping you choose a gambling site that prioritizes your health and safety.
What else is out there? More responsible gambling tools you can use
For problem gamblers, self-exclusion can be a powerful step toward recovery. However, as you can see from the table above, if this measure doesn’t feel like the right step, you can always start with tools like deposit or time limits to help manage your play.
These alternative options offer more flexibility, allowing you to set healthy boundaries before considering the more drastic measure of self exclusion. You can find and set up these tools any time in the responsible gambling section of your online casino account.
Here’s how these responsible gambling tools stack up and compare:
| Safety Measure | How It Works | Severity |
| Reality Checks | Displays reminders about your session duration. | Low |
| Session Limits | Limits how long you can play in a single session. | Low |
| Wager Limits | Caps the amount you can bet within a set period | Moderate |
| Deposit Limits | Restricts how much you can deposit per day, week, or month. | Moderate |
| Time-Out | Temporarily blocks access to your account. | High |
Beyond Casinos: Where To Turn Next for Help With Problem Gambling
In addition to self-exclusion programs in Canada, various organizations offer valuable resources and support to help individuals with problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, reaching out to these services is a crucial step toward recovery.
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
Tel: +1 (416) 499-9800
Website: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
ConnexOntario
Tel: 1-866-531-2600
Website: https://www.connexontario.ca/
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
Contact Number: 1-888-230-3505
Tel: https://www.opgh.on.ca/
Gambling Support BC
Tel: 1-888-795-6111
Website: https://www.gamblingsupportbc.ca/
FAQ
Yes, in addition to those listed above, organizations like GameSense and Gambling Therapy offer support services, counselling, and resources for individuals seeking help.
Generally, self-exclusion is irreversible until the chosen period concludes. Early termination is typically not permitted to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
Many Canadian provinces offer separate self-exclusion programs for land-based casinos. Contact your provincial gambling authority for specific information on enrolling.
Players can enrol through their province’s gambling authority or directly via the online casino’s responsible gambling section. Registration typically involves providing personal identification and selecting an exclusion duration.
Exclusion periods vary by province, but commonly range from six months to five years. Some Canadian self-exclusion programs also offer indefinite or lifetime bans.
Your account will be suspended, preventing logins, deposits, and play. Additionally, you will be removed from marketing lists to avoid promotional materials being sent.
