When gambling stops being fun

Talk to someone, day or night

• Addiction Helpline (Recovery Alberta): call 1-866-332-2322. It is toll-free, confidential and open 24/7, and it covers problem gambling. Nurses, social workers and psychologists are among the people who answer.
• 211 Alberta: call 211, text INFO to 211, or chat at ab.211.ca. It is free, confidential and open 24/7 in several languages, and it can refer you to gambling support.

If you are thinking about suicide, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8. For other mental health concerns, the Mental Health Helpline is open 24/7 at 1-877-303-2642.

Alberta Gamblers Anonymous has an Edmonton line at 780-463-0892. The Hope for Wellness Helpline supports Indigenous peoples 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310.

Has it stopped being fun?

A few honest questions to ask yourself after a night out:

• Did you spend more than you planned?
• Did you go back to win back what you lost?
• Did money for rent, bills or groceries go into play?
• Did you stay much longer than you meant to?
• Are you keeping how much you play from someone close to you?

If any answer is yes, call the Addiction Helpline or 211. You don't need to be sure there is a problem first.

Set a limit before you go

Decide two things at home, before the first bet: the most the evening can cost and the time you will head back. Treat that amount as the price of a night out, not as money to win back.

The limit setter below asks for just those two numbers. It doesn't count wins, because a win is no reason to stay longer. To help you keep it, bring that amount in cash and leave your cards at home.

Take a break with self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a fixed-length break from gambling that you choose for yourself. Enrolment is online only, at selfexclusion.ca, through AGLC's Self-Exclusion Program. Only you can enrol yourself.

• Where it applies: Alberta casinos and racing entertainment centres, regulated online gambling, or both.
• How long: six months, one year, two years or three years.
• When it starts: right away. It can't be cancelled or shortened.

To sign up, you give your name as it appears on government ID, your date of birth, height and weight, and a photo of your face. Every casino must have a device connected to the program, so you can also enrol online at a casino.

While you are enrolled, you can't claim prizes at a casino or collect online winnings. Questions go to se@aglc.ca or 1-844-468-8034.

GameSense at the casino

GameSense is AGLC's responsible gambling program. GameSense Advisors are on site at Alberta casinos, and each casino has a GameSense Info Centre.

You can also reach an advisor on the GameSense Info Line at 1-833-447-7523. It is not a 24-hour line: it is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Thursday to Saturday from 1 PM to 8 PM. Outside those hours, call the Addiction Helpline or 211.

Questions