Help in BC
Gambling help in British Columbia
Help with gambling in British Columbia costs nothing, and Gambling Support BC takes calls from any BC resident around the clock at 1-888-795-6111. The program works by phone, online at gamblingsupportbc.ca and in person through local services, whatever the game and wherever it is played.
Hosted by Isla Whitcombe, a character created for this guide Checked October 13, 2026
Where help is found, from harbour to ferry
- Gambling Support BC is a provincial program that answers 1-888-795-6111 toll-free, around the clock, for any BC resident. Its website is gamblingsupportbc.ca.
- Counselling through the same program is free. A navigator on the line helps right away, finds local services or connects the caller to a counsellor.
- Game Break is the voluntary self-exclusion program for BC casinos, with terms of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years. People enrol in person with government-issued photo ID at a casino or community gaming centre, or in an electronic meeting with a BCLC employee.
- A GameSense Advisor is available in every casino in BC. Elements Casino Victoria has a GameSense Info Centre on site.
Limits set before the ferry docks
A visit goes more simply when the limits are set before leaving the hotel room or the ferry deck. Two numbers come first: how much time, and how much money. The ride back gets planned before anything else, so the trip home never depends on how the evening goes. A bus route, a booked taxi or a named driver all work.
Breaks can be taken away from the floor, outside or over a meal, at times chosen in advance. Money meant for rent, bills or the return fare stays out of the plan. In British Columbia the legal age for gambling, at casinos and online, is 19, and people under 19 may not enter gambling venues.
Questions at the desk
Does the Gambling Support BC helpline cost anything, and when does it answer?
The call costs nothing: 1-888-795-6111 is toll-free and answers around the clock. Counselling through the program is free as well.
Can a family member call the helpline?
Yes, the line is open to any BC resident, including people affected by a loved one's gambling. A navigator can find local services or connect them to a counsellor.
How long does Game Break last, and can the term be shortened?
Terms are 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years. Once chosen, a term cannot be changed, so it cannot be shortened. Self-exclusion from gambling facilities also covers PlayNow.com for the same period.