Responsible Gambling

Stay Safe

TheImportance of Gambling Responsibly

Alberta opened a competitive, AGLC-licensed online sports bettingand iGaming market in 2026. We believe sports betting can be a safe, engagingform of recreation when done responsibly, but we are also clear-eyed about howeasily it can be misused, and how serious the consequences can be. AlbertaWager is committed to helping every current and prospective bettor understandthe risks of irresponsible gambling and find the resources available to them,and to the people who care about them.

What Is ResponsibleGambling?

The first step towards responsible gambling is understanding what itmeans to gamble responsibly. As a starting point, it’s critical gamblers reviewand abide by the following principles, though responsible gambling is notlimited to the points below:

The fundamentals of responsible gambling:

•            Set limits on how much moneyand time you spend gambling, and stick to those limits.

•            Take the time to understandevery bet you make, including its odds of success and failure, as well aspotential losses and payouts.

•            Don’t gamble when you’restressed or upset.

•            Don’t gamble if you have ahistory of addiction.

•            Only gamble with money you canafford to lose. Never gamble with money that you need for something else.

•            If you think you might have aproblem with gambling, seek help immediately. There’s always someone there tohelp.

What Is a GamblingProblem?

Gambling problems come in many forms, which is why it’s important tostay vigilant and honest with yourself about your gambling habits. Gamblingaddiction is defined by the uncontrollable urge to gamble, even when yourealize gambling is negatively affecting you and the people you love. Someproblems are more subtle, yet can still lead to serious consequences. Reviewthe list below, all of which may indicate a gambling problem:

Indicators of a gambling problem:

•            Your gambling leads to negativeoutcomes for you and/or your loved ones.

•            You take extreme measures tofind gambling money, including borrowing.

•            You gamble with money you needfor something else.

•            Your gambling results inneglecting responsibilities to your family, friends, or work.

•            You have a history of addictivebehavior and/or mental health issues.

•            You lie about gambling.

•            You use gambling to escapeproblems or relieve stress.

•            You see gambling as a form ofincome.

•            You have a constant urge togamble.

•            You feel irritable or anxiouswhen you’re not gambling.

Alberta Resources

It is impossible to know exactly how many Albertans struggle withproblem gambling, largely due to the stigma around asking for help. If yoususpect that you, or someone you love, may have a problem with gambling,reaching out is a great first step:

•            GameSense — AGLC’s responsible gambling program, offering tools, information,and confidential support. Visit gamesenseab.ca or call the GameSense Info Lineat 1-833-447-7523.

•            AGLC Self-Exclusion Program — Registering lets you exclude yourself from Alberta’s casinos,racing entertainment centres, and/or regulated online (iGaming) platforms, forsix months, one year, two years, or three years. Learn more and register atselfexclusion.ca.

•            Alberta 211 — For confidential, 24/7 support if gambling is affecting yourmental health or well-being, call or text 211, or visit ab.211.ca.

•            Canadian Centre for GamblingResearch — National, independent research andeducation on problem gambling.

•            Gamblers Anonymous — A free, community-based, twelve-step program offering in-person,virtual, and phone meetings. Search for Gamblers Anonymous meetings in Albertato find one near you or online.

Strategies forResponsible Gambling

We consider it our responsibility to educate all gamblers orpotential gamblers on the tenets of responsible gambling. Below are strategiesused successfully by many responsible gamblers.

Set Gambling Limits

Setting limits before you start gambling is a crucial element ofplaying responsibly, and most AGLC-licensed operators let you set limitsdirectly on your account with them:

•            Deposit Limits — Limits on how much money can be deposited into a betting account,typically set daily, weekly, monthly, or annually.

•            Wagering Limits — Limits on the total amount of any given wager, the number ofwagers placed over a period of time, or the combined value of multiple wagers.

•            Time Limits — Limits on the amount of time spent gambling in a session or overa period of time.

Check your chosen operator’s account settings, or contact theirsupport team, to set these limits or to arrange an operator-levelself-exclusion or “take a break” period.

Responsible Gambling References

•            GameSense (AGLC): AGLC’s responsible gambling program, providing tools and resourcesto help Albertans make informed choices about gambling, and confidentialsupport through the GameSense Info Line.

•            AGLC Self-Exclusion Program: Lets Albertans voluntarily exclude themselves from Alberta’slicensed casinos, racing entertainment centres, and regulated iGamingplatforms.

•            Canadian Centre for GamblingResearch: An independent Canadian organizationdedicated to researching and advancing responsible gambling policy andpractice.

Gamblers Anonymous: Afree, twelve-step peer support program for people who want to stop gambling