Before leaving: draw the outline of the day
A daytime visit has a natural shape. The doors open in the morning, the light changes, and it is easy to lose track of both. Setting a few limits at home, while the day is still quiet, keeps the shape intact.
- An amount. Decide what the visit is worth to you as entertainment, and treat it as spent before you arrive. When it is gone, the visit is over.
- An end time. Pick a clock time to leave, not a mood. An alarm on a phone works well. Casino floors in and around Calgary run late into the night, and some stay open around the clock, so the venue will not end the day for you. The morning hours page lists opening times.
- Cards at home. Bring the amount in cash and leave debit and credit cards behind. It removes the option of topping up in the moment.
- A plan for the ride back. Know how you are getting home before you go in, whether by CTrain, bus, taxi or a friend. If drinks are part of the day, leave the car. The without a car page notes how each venue sits on the transit map.
In Alberta, gambling is limited to adults aged 18 or older. Casino staff will request government-issued photo ID from anyone appearing under 25, so keep it within reach.
On the floor: GameSense
GameSense is the responsible gambling program of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). GameSense Advisors work on site in casinos and racing entertainment centres, and a GameSense Info Centre is located in each casino. Advisors can describe how each game plays, along with its odds and house edge, and can direct people toward support. A conversation with them is not a sign that something is wrong.
Away from the casino, the GameSense Info Line is 1-833-447-7523. It is not a 24-hour line: Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday to Saturday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. More is on gamesenseab.ca.
Help lines in Alberta
If gambling has started to cost more than money or time you can spare, these lines can help. 211 Alberta and the Addiction Helpline are free and confidential.
| Service | How to reach it | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 211 Alberta | Call 211, send a text reading INFO to 211, or open a chat at ab.211.ca | 24/7, multiple languages |
| Addiction Helpline (Recovery Alberta) | 1-866-332-2322, toll-free | 24/7 |
| Mental Health Helpline | 1-877-303-2642, toll-free | 24/7 |
| Hope for Wellness Helpline (Indigenous peoples) | 1-855-242-3310 | 24/7 |
| Suicide Crisis Helpline | 9-8-8 | Check with the service |
211 can refer callers to gambling support. The Addiction Helpline covers addiction concerns including problem gambling and is staffed by nurses, social workers, psychologists and others. Recovery Alberta's lines are gathered on its helplines page, and GameSense keeps a longer list of community resources.
Self-exclusion
AGLC runs a Self-Exclusion Program for anyone who wants a firm break. Enrolment is online only, at selfexclusion.ca, and only the person themselves can enrol. Casinos also have a device connected to the program for anyone who wishes to register on site.
- Scope: Alberta casinos together with racing entertainment centres; online gambling regulated in Alberta; or both.
- Length: six months or a full year, or else two or three years.
- Terms: it starts immediately and cannot be cancelled or shortened.
Self-excluded people cannot claim prizes in a gaming facility and are removed from casino reward mailings and promotions. The details are in AGLC's self-exclusion brochure. Questions go to se@aglc.ca or 1-844-468-8034.
The online option covers regulated online gambling in Alberta. The online in Alberta page explains how that market is set up.