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* Problem Gambling: Legal Information (PDF)
* Problem Gambling: Legal Information for Families (PDF)
Provincial and National Services
Ontario Association Credit Counselling Services
1 800 267-2272
www.indebt.org
A provincial not-for-profit organization that provides information and referral to 26 member credit counselling services. The services include advice regarding:
- budgeting
- dealing with creditors
- paying off your debt at a rate you can manage
- restoring credit.
If you are unable to access services in your community, a telephone counselling service is available by calling 1 888 204-2221.
Community Information Centres (CICs)
Dial 0 for the operator or try dialing 211.
www.informontario.on.ca
CICs are not-for-profit groups that gather information on local government services, community services and social services. These include crisis services, shelters and counselling. Call the operator to see if there is a Community Information Centre in your area.
Kids Help Phone
1 800 668-6868
www.kidshelp.sympatico.ca
A free, 24-hour telephone support and information line for children and youth. Available in English and French.
Parent Help Line
1 888 603-9100
www.parentsinfo.sympatico.ca
A free, 24-hour telephone support and information line for parents. Available in French and English.
Help Lines and Distress Centres
www.dcontario.org
Call the operator, or check the list of emergency numbers in the front of your telephone book, for the distress centre or help line in your area.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
416 366-7613
www.gamblersanonymous.org
GA is available in many communities. Based on Alcoholics Anonymous, GA uses a 12-step self-help approach to recovery.
Gam-Anon and Gam-Ateen
416 366-7613
www.gam-anon.org
Gam-Anon is peer support for family members and friends of people with gambling problems. It helps them cope, stop blaming themselves for the person’s gambling problems, and focus on their own health and well-being.
Legal Resources
Referral Services (LRS)
General Referral: 1 900 565-4577
Crisis Line: 1 800 268-8326
www.lsuc.on.ca
LRS will give you the names of lawyers (including those who accept legal aid) in your area who will provide a free half-hour consultation. A $6 fee is billed to your telephone number. You can use the crisis line free of charge if you are calling from hospital or jail, if you are under 18, or if you are homeless or in crisis.
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO)
416 408-4420
www.cleo.on.ca
CLEO is a not-for-profit legal information service. It provides easy-to-understand printed information on legal issues such as creditor harassment, family law and landlord/tenant issues.
Legal Aid Ontario
1 800 668-8258
www.legalaid.on.ca
Legal Aid can help you pay for legal help if you have a low income. If you qualify, you can get financial help for a variety of legal problems, including criminal matters, family law, and immigration and refugee law. You may also be able to get help with some civil cases and appeals of decisions that have been made which affect you.
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