Help
Where to get gambling help in BC
In British Columbia, help with gambling is free and available 24/7. It is open to any resident having difficulties because of gambling, including someone affected by a loved one's gambling.
The Gambling Support Line
Gambling Support BC is a provincial government program, and its line is free to call at 1-888-795-6111. It is open 24/7 to any BC resident having difficulties because of gambling. A person troubled by a loved one's gambling can call the same number.
A call reaches a navigator. The navigator can help right away, find services nearby or connect the caller to a free counsellor. Counselling is free for BC residents, and since April 1, 2026, the line and counselling have run as one provincewide service.
The line is multilingual. Help can also be requested online, at any hour, through gamblingsupportline.ca.
Game Break self-exclusion
Game Break is BC's self-exclusion program. It is free and voluntary. A person chooses a term of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years, and that term cannot be changed once chosen.
An agreement covers entering and playing at BC gaming facilities, and playing on PlayNow.com. It does not cover other online sites. Since June 2023, everyone entering a BC gambling facility must show government-issued photo ID, and IDs are checked against the self-exclusion list.
Enrolment happens in person with a registered gaming worker at a gaming facility. It can also be done with a BCLC employee by electronic means.
Help on the casino floor
Every casino in British Columbia has a GameSense Advisor. The advisor is there for people experiencing harm from gambling, inside the venue itself. That includes each of the nine Metro Vancouver casinos this guide covers.
Questions
Can a family member call the line?
Yes, family members can call. Gambling Support BC helps any BC resident having difficulties because of gambling, including a loved one's gambling. The number is 1-888-795-6111.
Does the line cost anything?
No, the line is free and open 24/7. Counselling through Gambling Support BC is also free for BC residents.
Can a Game Break term be cut short?
No, the term cannot be changed once chosen. A person picks 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years at enrolment.