ConnexOntario and gambling help

ConnexOntario offers free, confidential help with gambling in Ontario, and it answers 24/7. There are three ways to reach it. A person can call 1-866-531-2600, text CONNEX to 247247, or open the chat at connexontario.ca. Each one leads to the same service, at any hour of the day or night.

Some moments are more urgent than a question about gambling. In a crisis, the number is 988. That is the Suicide Crisis Helpline, and it also answers 24/7.

PlaySmart, at playsmart.ca, is the responsible-gambling site of OLG. Its PlaySmart Centres are at every OLG casino, and they are run with the Responsible Gambling Council. A visitor can find one on the casino property itself.

There is also a virtual PlaySmart Centre for anyone who is not at a casino. It is open 7 days a week, from 11 am to 7 pm, at 1-833-888-2306. Holiday hours should be checked on playsmart.ca.

OLG's My PlayBreak lets a person self-exclude from Ontario casinos for 3 or 6 months, or for 1 to 5 years. A casino break bars entry to any Ontario casino. Enrolment goes through the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098, staff on site, or a PlaySmart Centre. Once set, the term cannot be cancelled early.

Online play has its own tool. BetGuard, at betguard.ca, is run by iGaming Ontario and covers all regulated Ontario online gambling sites, including OLG.ca. Terms are 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or a custom length. It does not cover land-based casinos. A self-excluded person cannot join Great Canadian Rewards.