Help
Where to get gambling help in BC
In British Columbia, help with gambling is free and available 24/7. Any resident struggling because of gambling may use it, as may someone affected by a loved one's gambling.
The Gambling Support Line
The line of Gambling Support BC, a program of the provincial government, costs nothing to call at 1-888-795-6111. Any BC resident facing difficulties caused by gambling can reach it 24/7. A person troubled by a loved one's gambling can call the same number.
A call reaches a navigator. Right away, the navigator can help, point to services nearby or link the caller with a free counsellor. BC residents pay nothing for counselling, and the line and counselling have formed one provincewide service since April 1, 2026.
The line is multilingual. Requests for help can also go online through gamblingsupportline.ca, at any hour.
Game Break self-exclusion
Game Break is BC's self-exclusion program. It is free and voluntary. The chosen term is 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years, and it stays fixed from that point.
Such an agreement applies to entry and play at BC gaming facilities and to play on PlayNow.com. Other online sites fall outside it. June 2023: photo ID issued by a government became mandatory for all who enter a BC gambling facility, and each ID is matched against the self-exclusion list.
Enrolment is done face to face at a gaming facility, with a registered gaming worker. It can also be done with a BCLC employee by electronic means.
Help on the casino floor
A GameSense Advisor is present in each British Columbia casino. 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 assists any BC resident in difficulty over gambling, a loved one's gambling included. 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, once picked, the term stays fixed. A person picks 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years at enrolment.