Self-Exclusion in Alberta — How to Take a Break from Gambling
If gambling has stopped being fun and is starting to feel like a problem, self-exclusion is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Here’s everything you need to know about how Alberta’s program works.
What is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a voluntary agreement you make with yourself — and with Alberta’s regulators — to stop gambling for a set period of time. You decide how long, and you decide what you want to be excluded from. Once you sign up, the system does the work.
The Most Important Thing to Understand — It’s a Universal System
Alberta’s self-exclusion program is centralized, which means one single sign-up covers everything. You are not blocking yourself from one site or one casino at a time. When you self-exclude in Alberta, every single licensed online casino, every licensed sportsbook, every land-based casino, and every racing entertainment centre in the province is required by law to honor it.
Every licensed operator in Alberta’s regulated market must connect to the AGLC’s centralized self-exclusion database and check every player against it before allowing access. If your name is on that list, they are legally required to block you — from registering, from logging in, and from receiving any marketing or promotional material from them.
You can choose to exclude from online only, land-based only, or both at the same time. That flexibility is built into the system.
How Long Can You Self-Exclude?
You choose your own exclusion period when you sign up. The available options are six months, one year, two years, or three years.
How to Sign Up
You can sign up completely online from home — no need to visit a casino or an AGLC office. Here’s how it works:
Go to selfexclusion.ca or visit GameSenseAB.ca and find the Self-Exclusion Program under the Get Support menu. From there you can book a virtual session with a trained GameSense advisor or speak to someone directly to complete your agreement. You’ll need to provide your personal details, choose your exclusion period, and verify your identity with a government-issued ID like a driver’s license. Once the agreement is signed you’ll receive a copy along with information on local support resources.
One important note — only you can sign yourself up. Nobody else can do it on your behalf, even a family member.
What Happens Right After You Sign Up?
Your exclusion starts immediately the moment you sign your agreement. Your information is shared across all licensed venues and platforms right away. You’ll also be removed from all operator marketing lists — no promotional emails, no bonus offers, nothing.
You can opt in to receive follow-up calls from AGLC staff at set intervals throughout your exclusion period to check in on how you’re doing.
What Happens to Money in My Account?
If you have funds sitting in an online gambling account when you self-exclude, operators are required to return those unused funds to you upon request.
Is My Information Kept Private?
Yes. Everything you share when signing up is confidential and is only used by the AGLC to manage the self-exclusion program.
Get Support
Research shows that self-exclusion works best when combined with professional support. If you’re ready to take that step, free and confidential help is available around the clock in Alberta.
- GameSenseAB.ca — AGLC’s official responsible gambling program for Alberta
- GameSense Info Line — 1-833-447-7523
- Alberta Addiction Helpline — 1-866-332-2322
- Mental Health Help Line — 1-877-303-2642
- Health Link — Dial 811