Self-Exclusion in Canada: How to Take a Break (Province-by-Province)
If you’re finding online gambling less fun and more stressful, or you simply need a break, self-exclusion is one of the most effective tools available in Canada.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what self-exclusion means, how it works in online casinos across Canada, and the province-by-province steps to enroll.
We’ll also cover the Ontario self-exclusion program in detail, since it’s the most widely discussed and the only fully regulated iGaming market in the country.
What Is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a voluntary agreement between you and gambling operators to block you from playing for a set period—ranging from a few months to permanent exclusion. Once you sign up:
- You can’t open new accounts with participating casinos.
- Your existing accounts are locked.
- Marketing communications stop.
- In regulated provinces, you may also be barred from land-based casinos.
Self-exclusion is free, confidential, and designed to protect your well-being.
Best Casinos with Self-Exclusion RG Tools for Canada
How Self-Exclusion Works for Online Casinos in Canada
Because online gambling rules are provincially regulated, there’s no single nationwide self-exclusion database. Each province runs its own program—sometimes linked to in-person casinos, sometimes only covering local online platforms.
If you play on unregulated offshore sites, they may have their own responsible gaming tools, but they aren’t legally bound by Canadian self-exclusion lists.
Ontario Self-Exclusion: The iGaming Ontario Program
Ontario’s legal online casino market is regulated by iGaming Ontario (iGO), in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Program name: My PlayBreak
How it works:
- Choose your exclusion period – 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years.
- Enroll online or in person – via iGO’s secure portal or at any Ontario casino.
- Immediate account blocking – Applies to all AGCO-regulated online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites.
- Optional RG support – iGO offers resources to help with budgeting, counselling, and problem gambling support.
🔗 Official resource: iGaming Ontario – My PlayBreak
Self-Exclusion by Province in Canada
Here’s a breakdown of the current self-exclusion programs across the country:
| Province/Territory | Program Name | Covers Online? | Covers Land-Based? | How to Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | My PlayBreak (iGO) | ✅ All regulated sites | ✅ | Online via iGO or in person |
| British Columbia | Game Break (BC Lottery Corporation) | ✅ PlayNow.com | ✅ | Online or at a casino |
| Quebec | Voluntary Self-Exclusion (Loto-Québec) | ✅ EspaceJeux | ✅ | Online or in person |
| Manitoba | PlayBreak (Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries) | ✅ PlayNow.com | ✅ | Online or at a casino |
| Saskatchewan | PlayNow Self-Exclusion (SIGA/BCLC) | ✅ PlayNow.com | ✅ | Online or in person |
| Alberta | Voluntary Self-Exclusion (AGLC) | ❌ (no provincial online casino) | ✅ | In person at casino |
| Atlantic Provinces (NS, NB, NL, PEI) | ALC Self-Exclusion (Atlantic Lottery) | ✅ ALC.ca | ✅ | Online or in person |
| Yukon, NWT, Nunavut | No provincial program | ❌ | ❌ | N/A |
5 Key Things to Know Before You Self-Exclude
- It’s binding for the full term – You can’t reverse it early.
- Applies instantly in most provinces – Especially in Ontario and BC.
- Doesn’t cover offshore casinos – You’ll need to use in-site tools for those.
- Privacy is protected – Information is confidential and shared only with participating operators.
- Support is available – Counselling, debt management, and peer support are encouraged alongside exclusion.
Why Self-Exclusion Matters in 2025
Across Canada, provincial regulators are putting more focus on responsible gambling than ever. Ontario’s My PlayBreak program is widely promoted in every licensed casino site’s footer and during signup, and BC recently rebranded its GameSense self-exclusion program to Game Break for stronger awareness.
With iGO releasing monthly market reports showing steady growth in Ontario’s player base, more Canadians are being encouraged to set healthy limits and use self-exclusion when needed.
Where to Get Help
- ConnexOntario – 1-866-531-2600 or connexontario.ca
- Gambling Therapy – gamblingtherapy.org
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada – gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Our thoughts about Resonsible Gaming tools
Self-exclusion isn’t about quitting forever—it’s about giving yourself control, space, and time to reset. Whether you’re in Ontario using My PlayBreak or in BC with Game Break, the process is confidential, free, and can be a vital step toward balanced play.
FAQ
What is self-exclusion for online casinos in Canada?
Self-exclusion is a voluntary program where players request to be blocked from gambling for a set period. It can cover online and land-based casinos, depending on the province.
How do I self-exclude from online casinos in Ontario?
Ontario’s My PlayBreak program, run by iGaming Ontario, lets players choose exclusion periods of 6 months to 5 years. Enrollment can be done online or in person and covers all AGCO-regulated sites.
Does self-exclusion cover offshore casinos?
No, provincial self-exclusion lists only apply to regulated casinos in that province. Offshore casinos may have their own responsible gaming tools, but they are not legally bound by Canadian programs.
Is self-exclusion permanent?
You can choose different exclusion periods, but once you commit, you cannot end the exclusion early.
