Responsible gambling: limits, help and self-exclusion

Help, 24 hours a day

• ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600. Free, confidential information and referrals for gambling, mental health and addiction, open 24/7. You can also text CONNEX to 247247.
• Responsible Gambling Council (responsiblegambling.org). An independent Canadian non-profit with self-tests, advice for families and information on treatment.
• At the resort: the PlaySmart Centre. It is at the bus entrance and staffed from 11 AM to 2 AM daily. The Responsible Gambling Council runs it independently of the casino, and conversations are confidential.

Self-exclusion in Ontario

Ontario's self-exclusion programme is called My PlayBreak and is run by OLG. You can exclude yourself from casinos, charitable gaming centres or OLG.ca for a term you choose, up to five years. Once you are enrolled, casinos refuse you entry and you cannot take part in their promotions. The resort's page about the programme links to OLG's details. The resort also mentions a Personal Financial Restriction Program, arranged through the cage or credit office.

A weekend with limits

1. Decide the amount at home, not on the floor, and only use money you can afford to lose.
2. Leave the bank cards in the suite and bring only that amount in cash.
3. Set a time. The show starts at 8, so the floor ends at 7.
4. Never chase losses. The money is spent; going after it only adds to the bill.
5. Do not gamble to fix a mood, after drinking, or when you are tired.
6. Make it a small part of the weekend. The suite, the dinner, the swim and the show are the point.

Signs it is becoming a problem

Spending more than you planned, borrowing to gamble, hiding it from people close to you, feeling restless when you try to stop, or thinking about it most of the time. If any of that sounds familiar, call ConnexOntario. It is free, and you do not have to give your name.

Age

You must be 19 or older to gamble in Ontario. The resort checks government photo ID at the gaming floor and for shows.