Self-Exclusion Canada 2026 – How to Stop Gambling Online
Step-by-step guide to self-exclusion at online casinos in Canada: provincial registries, GameSense, GAMSTOP, and where to get free, confidential help.
What self-exclusion does
Self-exclusion is a formal, legally-binding request that bars you from gambling at the operators or in the jurisdiction you specify, for a fixed term you choose. It is the strongest single tool available to break a gambling problem before it gets worse. Once active:
- The casino must refuse your account and refund any pending bets.
- The casino cannot send you marketing communications.
- If you try to log in, you’ll be blocked.
- You typically cannot reverse the exclusion during the chosen term.
Self-exclusion is confidential. It does not appear on a credit check or background check, and it is only shared with licensed operators within the relevant jurisdiction.
- Coverage
- Provincial registry covers all licensed operators in that province
- Common terms
- 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, lifetime
- Reversibility
- Usually no – chosen term is binding
- Confidentiality
- Yes – not on credit or background checks
- Offshore coverage
- Not covered by provincial registries (use casino-side or BetBlocker)
- Free to register
- Yes – every provincial programme is free
Provincial self-exclusion options
- Ontario – iGaming Ontario centralised self-exclusion. Register through any AGCO casino’s RG menu or via iGO directly. Covers all AGCO casinos and OLG land-based.
- British Columbia / Manitoba / Saskatchewan – BCLC’s GameSense Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) programme covers PlayNow and the province’s land-based casinos.
- Quebec – Loto-Québec offers self-exclusion for Espacejeux and provincial land-based casinos.
- Alberta – AGLC self-exclusion covers PlayAlberta and Alberta land-based.
- Atlantic provinces – Atlantic Lottery Corporation runs self-exclusion across NS, NB, NL, PEI.
Casino-side self-exclusion
Every reputable online casino must offer in-account self-exclusion under their licensing rules. To find it:
- Log into your account.
- Go to Settings > Responsible Gambling (or similar).
- Choose Self-Exclusion and pick a duration.
- Confirm via email; the exclusion is usually active immediately.
Casino-side exclusion is account-specific. To exclude from multiple casinos, you must repeat at each site, or use a third-party blocker.
Duration and reversal
Most programmes offer 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, or lifetime exclusion. Once started, you typically cannot reverse it during the chosen term. This is by design – the whole point is to remove the option to opt back in during a moment of weakness. Lifetime exclusions are permanent.
Free, confidential help
- ConnexOntario – 1-866-531-2600. Free, 24/7. Available across all of Canada despite the name. connexontario.ca
- ResponsibleGambling.org – information, self-assessment quiz, and links to local help. responsiblegambling.org
- GameSense (BC, MB, SK) – face-to-face advisors at every PlayNow venue and online chat.
- Gamblers Anonymous – free peer-support meetings across Canada. gamblersanonymous.org
- BetBlocker – free open-source software that blocks gambling sites at the device level. Works alongside provincial self-exclusion. betblocker.org
For broader context see our responsible gambling guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is self-exclusion?+
Self-exclusion is a formal request to a casino or registry that bars you from gambling for a chosen period. Once active, the operator must refuse your account, refund pending bets, and cannot send you marketing communications. Provincial self-exclusion programmes ban you from all licensed venues in the province for the chosen term.
How do I self-exclude in Ontario?+
iGaming Ontario operates a centralised self-exclusion programme. You can register through any AGCO-licensed casino's responsible-gambling menu or directly via the iGO website. The exclusion applies across all AGCO-licensed sites simultaneously.
Does self-exclusion include offshore casinos?+
Provincial self-exclusion only covers regulated provincial operators. To self-exclude from offshore casinos accepting Canadian players, you must do it on each casino's site individually, or use a third-party tool like BetBlocker which blocks gambling sites at the device level.
How long does self-exclusion last?+
Most programmes offer 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, or lifetime exclusion. Once started, you typically cannot reverse it during the chosen term. Lifetime exclusions are exactly that – permanent.
Will self-exclusion show on a credit check or background check?+
No. Self-exclusion is confidential and does not affect your credit score or appear on any standard background check. The information is only shared with licensed gambling operators in the relevant jurisdiction.
18+ only. Gambling should be entertainment, not income. Set deposit and loss limits before you play. For free, confidential help in Canada call ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) or visit ResponsibleGambling.org.