Responsible Gambling

The Link exists to help Canadian players find trustworthy casinos — but we also recognise that gambling is not without risk. The platforms we review are designed for entertainment. The moment gambling stops being enjoyable, it is time to pause, reflect, and seek help if needed.

Guidelines for Safer Play

• Decide on a budget before you start. Choose an amount you are comfortable losing entirely and treat it the same way you would treat spending on a concert or dinner out. When the budget is gone, the session is over.
• Use a timer. Online sessions can stretch far longer than you realise. Set an alarm on your phone or enable the casino's built-in session reminders.
• Walk away from losses. Raising your stakes to recover what you have lost is one of the fastest paths to a serious problem. Accept the result and close the tab.
• Stay sober while playing. Alcohol and other substances cloud judgment and lead to choices you would not otherwise make.
• Balance gambling with other activities. If gambling is your primary source of recreation, that imbalance itself can become problematic. Keep it as one part of a broader life.
• Never borrow to gamble. If you find yourself considering a loan, a cash advance, or dipping into rent money, that is a clear signal to stop.

Recognising Problem Gambling

Problem gambling does not always look dramatic. It often develops gradually. If any of the following describe your experience — or someone you care about — professional support is available and confidential.

• Spending more time or money on gambling than you planned.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or restless when you are not gambling.
• Hiding your gambling activity from people close to you.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings, or accumulating debt to fund gambling.
• Missing work, school, or family commitments because of gambling.
• Repeated failed attempts to cut back or quit.
• Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or depression.

Self-Protection Tools at Online Casinos

Licensed online casinos available to Canadian players are required to offer responsible gambling features. These tools are there for everyone — you do not need to have a problem to benefit from using them.

• Deposit limits: Cap the amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss limits: Automatically pause your account when cumulative losses hit a threshold you set.
• Session time alerts: Get notified — or automatically logged out — after a set period of play.
• Cooling-off periods: Temporarily lock your account for anywhere from 24 hours to 30 days.
• Self-exclusion: Close your account for an extended period (often 6 months to 5 years) to create distance from the platform.

We encourage setting deposit limits on every new casino account, even if you feel confident in your control. It costs nothing and adds a valuable safety net.

Canadian Support Resources

Free, confidential assistance is available across Canada. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out — these organisations help at every stage.

Age Restriction

You must be 19 years of age or older (or the minimum legal gambling age in your province, whichever is higher) to access the casino sites reviewed on The Link. If you are under the legal age, please leave this site now.