Responsible Gambling

Online gambling should always be approached as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money. Responsible gambling means understanding the risks involved, setting limits, and making informed decisions about when and how gambling is used as entertainment.
Alberta’s regulated iGaming market launches July 13, 2026, and all licensed operators are required by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to follow strict responsible gambling standards to protect players.

What Responsible Gambling Means

Responsible gambling involves maintaining control over the time and money spent on gambling activities. Players are encouraged to treat gambling as entertainment and avoid chasing losses or gambling beyond their financial limits.
Gambling can become a problem when it begins to negatively affect other parts of life, including finances, relationships, or mental health. Recognizing the signs early can help individuals take steps to regain control.

Tips for Safer Gambling

Set a budget before you begin playing
Decide how much time you want to spend gambling
Avoid chasing losses
Take regular breaks from gambling activities
Never gamble with money needed for essential expenses
Only play on licensed, regulated platforms
Use the responsible gambling tools available to you

Responsible Gambling Tools

All licensed operators in Alberta’s regulated market are required by the AGLC to provide players with responsible gambling tools, including:

Deposit Limits — Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a chosen time period, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
Loss Limits — Restrict the amount you can lose over a set period of time.
Time Limits — Set limits on how long you spend in areas of a site where games are played, in increments of one hour.
Break in Play — Take a short-term break from gambling for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, or 3 months. During a break you cannot place wagers but can still access your account balance.
Self-Exclusion — Voluntarily exclude yourself from all licensed Alberta iGaming platforms through AGLC’s centralized self-exclusion program. Once you self-exclude, all licensed operators are required to prevent you from accessing their platforms.

These tools must be easy to find on any licensed platform and can be adjusted at any time. If you have previously set a limit and want to relax or remove it, a mandatory cooling-off period of at least 24 hours applies.

Self-Exclusion in Alberta

Alberta has a centralized self-exclusion program managed by the AGLC. If you feel you need to step away from gambling entirely, self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from all licensed online gambling platforms in the province at once. All licensed operators are required to connect to the AGLC’s centralized system and enforce self-exclusion. To learn more visit GameSenseAB.ca. For a full breakdown of how the process works, read our Self-Exclusion guide.

Support Resources in Alberta

Support services are available for individuals who may be experiencing gambling-related harm. In Alberta, confidential help is available through addiction and mental health services 24 hours a day.

GameSenseAB.ca — AGLC’s official responsible gambling program for Alberta players. Offers tools, information, and support.
Alberta Addiction Helpline — 1-866-332-2322
Mental Health Help Line — 1-877-303-2642
Health Link — Dial 811+

These services operate 24 hours a day and can provide information, support, and referrals to treatment programs. If you are concerned about your gambling or someone else’s, reaching out is always the right step.

Staying Informed

Understanding how gambling works and setting clear personal limits can help reduce the risks associated with gambling. Players should always choose regulated platforms and make use of responsible gambling tools when they are available.
Alberta’s regulated market means players have access to licensed operators who are held to strict standards by the AGLC — including mandatory responsible gambling programs, player protection tools, and support resources.