How can a friend or family member help someone who they think is gambling too much?

Picture this: you've noticed your sibling checking their phone constantly during dinner, borrowing money more often than usual, and getting defensive whenever gambling comes up. You're worried, but you're not sure what to do — or whether it's even your place to say something. It is, and there's a clear path forward.

Starting the conversation

The single hardest part for most people is opening the door. There are often no obvious physical signs of a gambling problem, and families frequently sense something is wrong long before they can name it. If you've reached the point of noticing changes in someone's mood, finances, or behaviour around gambling, that instinct is worth trusting.

When you do talk, keep it private, calm, and specific — focus on what you've observed ("I noticed you've seemed stressed about money lately") rather than accusations or ultimatums. People dealing with a gambling problem are more likely to engage when they don't feel cornered or judged. Talking about feelings can help strengthen someone's commitment to change — and help them see they're not alone.

What you can actually do to help

Call ConnexOntario yourself first, if needed. You don't have to wait for the person to ask for help before reaching out. Anyone can call — nearly half of ConnexOntario's calls come from family and friends who are worried about a loved one. ConnexOntario specifically offers Family & Friends Support — resources for those impacted by a loved one's gambling. The line is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600 (or by text, chat, or email). No referral is needed, and you can contact them for yourself or for someone else.

Share information about BetGuard. Ontario now has a centralized self-exclusion service called BetGuard (betguard.ca), launched in May 2026 by iGaming Ontario. BetGuard is a free tool that allows anyone 19 or older to opt out of all regulated online gambling sites in Ontario in just a few minutes — no player account required — with terms of 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or a custom period. You can't register on someone else's behalf, but you can tell them it exists and that it covers every licensed Ontario online operator in a single step.

Connect them to professional treatment. Support options in Ontario include individual counselling (in-person, phone, or virtual), credit and debt counselling, family counselling, and crisis and referral services. Getting help is free and available to everyone — no doctor's referral required.

Look after yourself too. In Ontario, free and confidential treatment is available for people affected by gambling — including family members. If the situation is causing you real stress, you're entitled to support as well, and ConnexOntario can help with that too.

What you probably can't do — and why that matters

You can't force someone to stop gambling, and trying to control their access to money or devices often backfires. What tends to work better is reducing shame, making resources easy to find, and staying consistent rather than reactive. Help is most effective when sought before things get worse — you don't have to wait for a crisis. If the person you're worried about is open to it, even sitting with them while they call ConnexOntario or look at BetGuard can make a real difference.

If you're ever in immediate crisis — for yourself or someone else — dial 988, Ontario's suicide crisis helpline, which provides a safe space to talk 24 hours a day.