Online gaming and social sweepstakes should be entertainment, never a way to make money or recover losses. This page sets out the basics and where to find free, confidential help.
Age requirements
- US social sweepstakes: 21+ at the platforms we cover, and only in eligible states.
- Canada: 19+ in most provinces; 18+ in Quebec and Manitoba.
- Never share an account or let anyone underage use your device to play.
Practical limits
- Decide on a time and spending limit before you start, and stop when you reach it.
- Use the deposit, purchase, session and cool-off limits that platforms provide.
- Never chase losses or play when stressed, tired or under the influence.
- Self-exclusion tools let you block access to a platform for a set period.
Warning signs
- Spending more time or money than you planned.
- Borrowing money or hiding play from people close to you.
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you are not playing.
Free, confidential support
United States
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (call or text, 24/7)
Canada
- British Columbia: 1-888-795-6111
- Quebec (Jeu : aide et référence): 1-800-461-0140
- Manitoba: 1-800-463-1554
- Nova Scotia: 1-888-347-8888
- Saskatchewan: 1-800-306-6789
- New Brunswick: 1-800-461-1234
- Prince Edward Island: 1-855-255-4255
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-888-899-4357
- In crisis anywhere in Canada, call or text 988.
International
- Gambling Therapy (free, multilingual online support): gamblingtherapy.org