Help and limits around the trip

Help lines, open now

Two lines answer around the clock. Both are free and confidential.

• 211 Alberta. Call 211, text INFO to 211, or chat at ab.211.ca. It runs 24/7, in multiple languages, and helps with referrals for gambling support. The Alberta iGaming Corporation's help page lists it first.
• Addiction Helpline (Recovery Alberta). 1-866-332-2322, toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alberta Health Services lists it as covering problem gambling. Nurses, social workers and psychologists staff the line.

Other lines listed by Recovery Alberta and GameSense:

• Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642, 24/7.
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8.
• Hope for Wellness Helpline, for Indigenous peoples: 1-855-242-3310, 24/7.
• Alberta Gamblers Anonymous, Edmonton: 780-463-0892.
• Money Mentors: 1-800-294-0076.

GameSense, on site and by phone

GameSense is the responsible gambling program that AGLC runs in Alberta. According to GameSense, every casino has a GameSense Info Centre, and GameSense Advisors work on site. They can explain how the games work, the odds and the house edge.

The GameSense Info Line is 1-833-447-7523. It is not open all the time. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Outside those hours, call 211 or the Addiction Helpline.

Self-exclusion

AGLC's Self-Exclusion Program is a closed road you set for yourself. You enrol online only, at selfexclusion.ca. The AGLC brochure sets out the terms:

• Scope: Alberta casinos and racing entertainment centres, regulated online gambling platforms, or both.
• Length: six months, one year, two years or three years.
• It starts right away. It cannot be cancelled or shortened.
• Only you can enrol yourself.

To enrol, you enter your name as it appears on valid government ID, add details such as your date of birth, height and weight, and upload a photo. Casinos must keep a device connected to the platform for anyone who wants to register on site.

People who are self-excluded cannot claim prizes in a gaming facility. They are removed from casino reward mailings and promotions, and they are not eligible for Winner's Edge.

If you choose the online option, you are excluded from all regulated online gambling in Alberta. The wording covers regulated sites only. See Online rules in Alberta.

For questions, call 1-844-468-8034 or email se@aglc.ca.

Limits to set before you leave

The casino floor at River Cree is open 24 hours, so the building will not tell you when to stop. Set your own limits at home, before you get on the road.

• Set an amount. Decide what the evening can cost, the same way you would budget for a show or a dinner. Once it is spent, the visit is over.
• Set a time. Pick a time to leave and set an alarm on your phone.
• Leave the cards at home. Bring the amount you set, in cash. Leave bank and credit cards behind, so you cannot top up when you are tired.
• Tell someone. A quick message about when you expect to be back gives you a fixed point to aim for.

Gambling is a form of paid entertainment, not a way to earn money. It is for adults only: the legal age in Alberta is 18.

Plan the way back

Decide how you will get home before you go.

• Driving. Choose a designated driver. During concerts and events, River Cree gives designated drivers free unlimited fountain pop or water. Parking is free. The route is on The drive from Edmonton.
• No car. River Cree runs a free shuttle to and from West Edmonton Mall every 30 minutes. For the schedule, call 780-930-2562. Check the last run before you settle in. See Without a car.
• Staying over. If the evening runs late, the options are on Staying overnight.