Internet Explorer support ending

As of January 1st, 2020, PlayNow.com no longer provides browser support for IE 11. If you choose to use IE 11 we cannot guarantee you will be able to login or use the site. We advise you switch to the latest version of either Edge, Firefox or Chrome.

Support and Resources

Talk to Someone

Sometimes gambling stops feeling like a game. If you or someone close to you are feeling this way—we’re here to help. GameSense Advisors and counsellors are available throughout the province to support you.

Speak with a GameSense Advisor

Start a Live Chat
1-877-706-6789

We are here to support you with any gambling concerns you may have. Available from 7AM - 12AM PST.

More about us below

Call the Gambling Support BC line

1-888-795-6111

Connect with a representative for free information and resources in multiple languages. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

More about them below

Resources

GameSense Advisors

GameSense Advisors are trained specialists that can help keep gambling fun and on budget. They're available at every casino and community gaming centre, by phone at 1-877-706-6789 or through PlayNow.com's Live Chat.

  • GameSense Advisors can help educate players about how the games work, the importance of taking regular breaks, and how to set limits when gambling.
  • They're available to answer any questions you may have about BCLC's Game Break program and advise where to access free professional counselling.

Gambling Support BC

The B.C. Government provides British Columbians with free information and resources to support informed choices and healthy behaviours with respect to gambling participation through Gambling Support BC, administered by the Community Supports Division within the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General.

Gamtalk

GamTalk is an online resource that helps people dealing with gambling problems in a variety of ways. It offers live chatting with other members of the community, a forum to present questions and respond to others, and stories about recovering from gambling problems.

Journal of Gambling Issues

Published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Journal of Gambling Issues publishes articles on gambling-related research, policy developments, treatment, and much more. Have a look at the journal at https://jgi.camh.net/index.php/jgi.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is an organization dedicated to helping those struggling with gambling addiction. They host meetings in which individuals can share their experiences and support one other in their desire to stop gambling. Find out more at www.gabc.ca.

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is a 12 step self-help fellowship comprised of men and women who have been affected by the gambling problem of another.  This free service is not affiliated with a religious organization or counselling agency and does not treat gambling addictions, but helps those who have been affected by someone else’s. Find out more at www.gam-anon.org.

Knowing what to look for

If you’re wondering if someone you know and love might have a problem, here are some signs that may indicate they have a problem. The more signs a person shows, the greater the likelihood that he or she may have lost control of their gambling.

  • Gambling for longer and longer periods of time
  • Lying about how much or how often they gamble
  • Often missing work or school to gamble
  • Neglecting personal or family needs to gamble
  • Spending more time and money than they can afford
  • Using money intended for other things to gamble
  • Gambling more to win back lost money or get out of financial trouble
  • Thinking gambling will finally be under control once the “big win” happens
  • Feeling anxious or guilty about gambling
  • Constantly thinking or talking about gambling
  • Feeling empty or lost when not gambling

Below are a few examples of warning signs that might indicate a problem. The more signs a person exhibits, the greater the likelihood that they may have lost control of their gambling.

Last night he told his spouse he was working late; he was really at the casino.
Lying about how often or how much someone gambles is a sign of a problem.

She’s absent from work a lot and is unable to keep up with her workload.
Those most at risk are often absent from school, work or important social activities because they’re gambling.

He missed his son’s birthday. He couldn’t leave the slot machine he was playing.
Those with gambling problems often neglect family or personal needs and responsibilities to keep gambling.

She gambles more and more for relief from the increasing pressures at work and home.
When gambling becomes an escape from job and family responsibilities, it’s a problem.

He missed a mortgage payment after he used that money for blackjack.
Spending more money than you can afford, using money intended for other purposes, and growing debt resulting from gambling are signs of a problem.

For more resources to help you keep control of your gambling, visit GameSense.