Gambling Support Around Hard Rock Ottawa
Gambling help in Ontario costs nothing, and the main line picks up 24/7. This page lists the numbers to call and the two self-exclusion programs: My PlayBreak for casinos and BetGuard for regulated online sites.
Who takes the call?
ConnexOntario answers at 1-866-531-2600. Calling is free and confidential, with an answer 24/7. Two more options exist for those who prefer not to speak: text CONNEX to 247247, or reach the chat at connexontario.ca.
In a crisis, call or text 988. That number reaches the Suicide Crisis Helpline, which also runs 24/7. Both numbers are worth saving in a phone's contacts ahead of time, not in the middle of a hard night.
How does casino self-exclusion work?
My PlayBreak is the name of OLG's self-exclusion program. Its reach covers Ontario casinos, OLG.ca and Charitable Gaming Centres. The shortest casino break is 3 months, the next option is 6, and longer breaks run from 1 year up to 5. Once it starts, entry to any Ontario casino is barred, and the break cannot be cancelled early. That includes Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa on Albion Road.
Enrolment works three ways. Staff on site at the casino can help, so can a PlaySmart Centre coordinator, and the OLG Support Centre answers on 1-800-387-0098.
PlaySmart, at playsmart.ca, is OLG's responsible-gambling site. Its centres run at every OLG casino, working jointly with the Responsible Gambling Council.
And online?
BetGuard, at betguard.ca, is run by iGaming Ontario. A person aged 19 or older can use it to opt out of every regulated Ontario online gambling site at once. It does not cover land-based casinos.
Both are separate programs run by different bodies: BetGuard by iGaming Ontario, My PlayBreak by OLG. Someone who wants to stay away from both the casino floor and online sites would need My PlayBreak as well.
What keeps a night in hand?
Before heading out, settle the amount to spend and the hour to go home. Write them down if that helps. Treat the money as the price of the evening, the same as a concert ticket or a dinner, and not as something to win back. A phone alarm can mark the hour. When either limit is reached, the night is over.
Questions to the desk
- When can I call ConnexOntario?
- At any hour: the line at 1-866-531-2600 is free, confidential and open 24/7. A text with the word CONNEX to 247247 works too.
- Can I cancel My PlayBreak early?
- No, an early end to a casino break is not possible. Available terms are 1 to 5 years, or 3 or 6 months, so choose the length carefully before enrolling.
- Does BetGuard keep me out of the casino?
- No, BetGuard applies only to regulated Ontario online gambling sites, and land-based casinos fall outside it. To be barred from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa and every other Ontario casino, enrol in My PlayBreak through OLG.