Help, 24/7
Gambling help in Alberta, 211 and more
In Alberta, gambling help is free, confidential and open 24/7. The first call can be to 211, which gives referrals for gambling support.
Four places to turn
- 211 Alberta: call 211, text INFO to 211 or use the online chat on the 211 Alberta website. It is free, confidential and open 24/7, with referrals for gambling support.
- Addiction Helpline (Recovery Alberta): 1-866-332-2322. The line is free, confidential and open 24/7, and it covers problem gambling.
- Self-exclusion: AGLC's Self-Exclusion Program takes enrolment online only, at selfexclusion.ca. It starts immediately.
- GameSense: AGLC's responsible gambling program has GameSense Advisors and an info centre in each casino and racing entertainment centre.
Self-exclusion, step by step
Self-exclusion in Alberta runs through AGLC's Self-Exclusion Program. Enrolment happens online only, at selfexclusion.ca. The first step is to choose what it covers: Alberta casinos and racing entertainment centres, regulated online gaming, or both. Choosing both puts the venues and regulated online gaming under one exclusion.
Next comes the length: six months, one year, two years or three years. The exclusion starts immediately once enrolment is complete. It cannot be cancelled early, so the period chosen at enrolment runs in full.
At the casino
GameSense is AGLC's responsible gambling program in Alberta. Each casino and racing entertainment centre has GameSense Advisors and a GameSense info centre, so help is on the same premises as the games.
The age rule is simple. Gambling in Alberta is legal from 18. Casino staff must check valid government-issued photo ID for anyone who appears to be under 25. Guests in their early twenties do well to carry that ID.
Questions
Who can be called in the middle of the night?
Both lines answer 24/7. The Addiction Helpline (Recovery Alberta) is 1-866-332-2322. 211 Alberta takes a call to 211, a text of INFO to 211 or a message through its online chat.
Can self-exclusion be cancelled early?
No, it cannot be cancelled early. It starts immediately and runs for the full period chosen: six months, one, two or three years.
Does calling for help cost anything?
Calling costs nothing: the Addiction Helpline and 211 Alberta are both free. Each one is confidential as well.