Why Play Online Blackjack in Ontario?
Ontario’s regulated casino platforms offer multiple blackjack game online formats through iGO licensees. 70+ sites run these games nonstop. Options include RNG titles and live dealer variants. Providers include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and OnAir Entertainment. Online blackjack real money version delivers faster hands than land-based games. RNG formats reach 60+ hands per hour. Live tables manage around 40, which depends on the provider’s speed. Games are available remotely without the need for travel, physical queues, or seat restrictions. Minimum bets start from CA$1. Some RNG games accept stakes below $1. High-limit tables, such as Evolution’s Salon Privé, go beyond CA$5,000 per hand. Over 25 variants run on Ontario sites. Famous options include Classic, Infinite, Free Bet, Lightning, and All Bets Blackjack. Infinite Blackjack by Evolution and Majority Rules by Playtech allow hundreds of players without seat limits. Ontario mandates strict fairness checks. Games pass AGCO-approved audits by eCOGRA and GLI. RTPs appear in-game, often 98.2%–99.5%. Only verified Ontario residents aged 19+ can register accounts and deposit funds under iGO and AGCO standards. Tools include deposit caps, time alerts, and self-exclusion.
Is Online Blackjack Legal in Ontario?
Online blackjack is fully legal in Ontario through regulated platforms. Since April 2022, iGO (iGO), which is working under AGCO, has overseen all licensed casino activity. Approved operators must meet high standards for fairness, game integrity, player protection, and responsible play. Only sites listed on iGO’s official portal legally offer these games. Access stays limited to visitors aged 19 or 19+.
- 🛡️ iGO Regulation: iGO controls blackjack sites with active legal agreements. Operators face constant oversight and must follow AGCO rules. Till mid-2025, 70+ licensed brands have offered online blackjack, while offshore sites remain illegal under Ontario law.
- 👥 Who Can Play: Only Ontario residents physically located in the province and aged 19+ can access legal tables. Geolocation confirms the location, and KYC protocols confirm age. Using unlicensed platforms violates local laws.
- 🎲 Game Fairness: Legal online backjack Ontario games must pass strict RNG tests and regular audits. Payout rates (RTP) are published clearly. Many legal platforms offer 6-deck games with an RTP of 99.41%.
- ⚖️ Responsible Play Tools: Licensed platforms include tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, time alerts, and mandatory age warnings. Messages such as “Play Responsibly” appear on all legal sites.
- 🔒 Data Protection: Sites use encryption, secure logins, and vulnerability testing. Operators comply with PIPEDA, holding certifications like SOC 2 or ISO/IEC 27001.
- 💳 Payments: Only CAD is accepted, while crypto deposits remain banned. Payments run through verified Canadian institutions. Withdrawals are processed only after successful Know Your Customer (KYC) identity verification, in line with regulatory requirements. Disputes go through the iGO channels.
How to Play Blackjack Online in Ontario?
Black Jack online for real money is legal on iGO–regulated sites. Legal platforms follow AGCO standards, fairness audits, identity checks, and responsible gaming tools. Table games include RNG games and live dealer formats, which mostly use 8-deck rules. In 2024, 540,000+ registered Ontario patrons accessed legal online casinos. It ranked among the top 3 table games across iGO-approved sites.
- Pick Licensed Platform: 70+ legal sites operate under iGO. Each displays an official iGO logo, uses certified software providers like Evolution, Playtech, and Authentic Gaming.
- Register Account: Enter name, date of birth, and Ontario address. Upload a valid ID and proof of residence. Platforms verify identity before granting access. Players must be 19+.
- Fund Account: Legal sites accept Interac, Visa, Mastercard, and online banking. Some sites support PayPal and Apple Pay. No cryptocurrency is allowed. Minimum deposits start at CA$10.
- Choose Variant: Options include Classic, Infinite, Free Bet, and Lightning Blackjack. Live versions stream in real time; stable internet is required. Standard blackjack games offer RTP above 99.5%.
- Learn Key Moves: Hit adds one card. The stand keeps its hand unchanged. The Double Down feature doubles the bet and draws one card. Split divides same-value cards into 2 hands. Insurance pays 2:1 if the dealer shows an Ace.
- Use Safety Tools: Legal sites apply session limits, deposit caps, time alerts, and self-exclusion. Reality checks appear every 60 minutes. All platforms show clear 19+ warnings and responsible play messages.
Key Tips on Playing Online Blackjack for Real Money
Online casino blackjack demands sharp choices and solid bankroll control. On licensed Ontario sites, it ranks as the second most-played table game. In 2025, 29% of table sessions included them. Every version uses fixed card values, set dealer rules, and optional moves like doubling or splitting. Success depends on knowing rules, reading hands, and managing risk efficiently.
- 🃏 Hand Values: Cards 2–10 equal face value. Face cards count as 10. Aces shift between 1 and 11. Going over 21 means a loss.
- 💰 Bankroll Control: Stick to fixed budgets. Avoid risking over 5% of total bankroll per hand. Reports from early 2025 show 63% of regular players use session limits for better control.
- 🤚 Hit or Stand: Hit totals under 12, and stand on 17 or more. For 12–16, check the dealer’s upcard. High dealer cards call for caution; low cards offer safe standing.
- ➕ Double: Double adds one card with a doubled stake. Use on hands totalling 10 or 11. Most Ontario sites allow doubling on any 2 cards. Rules vary slightly by game.
- 🛡️ Insurance: Available when the dealer shows an Ace. Pays 2:1 if dealer hits 21. Rarely wise, probability favours the house. Most players avoid this option to limit risk.
- 🔀 Splits: Split matching-value cards. Ontario sites usually allow 3 splits per round. Aces often get just one follow-up card per hand, which depends on the version.
Types of Blackjack
Ontario’s legal casino platforms feature multiple blackjack variants. Each version runs with unique decks, payout ratios, and custom rules. Classic Blackjack leads in traffic, but Atlantic City, European, and Live Dealer formats show strong popularity. During Q2 2025, iGO logged over 3.8 million sessions, out of which 42% came from live dealer tables. Rules shift by variant. Differences appear in dealer actions, which include doubling rules and deck sizes. Players aged 19+ explore these game types across licensed platforms.
Type | Decks | Dealer on Soft 17 | Payout | Doubling | Splits | Special Rules |
Classic Blackjack | 1–8 | Stands | 3:2 | On 9–11 (varies) | Usually 1 split | No surrender. |
European Blackjack | 2 | Stands | 3:2 | On 9, 10, 11 | No resplit | Dealer draws after player decisions. |
Atlantic City | 8 | Stands | 3:2 | On any 2 cards, post-split | Resplit aces once | Late surrender allowed. |
Live Dealer | Varies | Provider-specific | 3:2 | On any 2 cards (most) | Depends on the table | Live video, no RNG. |
Spanish 21 | 6–8 | Hits | 3:2 | On any number of cards | Up to 3 hands | No 10s in deck, bonus payouts for 21. |
Super Fun 21 | 1 | Hits | 1:1 | On any number of cards | Split up to 4 hands | Favourable rules for players, including early surrender, although outcomes remain based on chance. |
Blackjack Switch | 6–8 | Hits | 1:1 | On any 2 cards, switch OK | Split up to 4 hands | Dealer 22 is pushing, play 2 hands with the card-swapping option. |
Strategies for Playing Blackjack Online for Real Money
Legal online casinos in Ontario report that over 72% of all blackjack casino game sessions from January to May 2025 involved repeat players. Games with structured rules like blackjack often see experienced players follow repeatable decision patterns. Use of fixed numerical guidelines during play reduces house edge to 0.5% when followed consistently, based on Ontario iGaming analytics.
📊 Fixed Decision Matrix | 👁️ Visual Pattern Estimation |
This system uses a structured chart to guide actions based on the player’s hand total and the dealer’s upcard. Common moves include standing on 17+, hitting under 12, doubling on 10 or 11 against weak dealer cards, and surrendering when available. Over 60% of Ontario blackjack online sessions in 2025 followed this method, which helps minimise house edge consistently. | Pattern tracking involves reading card flow to estimate deck composition. It’s ineffective in RNG games due to instant reshuffling. In live dealer games using 8-deck shoes, some players track distributions over 50–60 hands. While legal in Ontario, limited accuracy makes it unreliable. Players mostly use it for fun rather than gaining a statistical advantage. |
💵 Bet Sizing Methods | 📉 Statistical House Advantage |
Bet sizing focuses on adjusting wager amounts between hands without affecting game decisions. Flat betting is most common in Ontario, used by 75% of players. Systems like 1–3–2–6 or reverse Labouchère increase bets after wins, while Martingale doubles after losses. Progressive methods carry a high risk and are discouraged by responsible gambling programs. | Game variants differ in house edge. Atlantic City offers the lowest at 0.35%, while European Blackjack for real cash sits near 0.62%. Live dealer games average between 0.5% and 0.65%. Spanish 21 reaches 0.8% due to the removal of 10s. Long-term RTP depends on rule sets, deck format, and payout conditions, while strategy alone won’t shift expected returns. |
Popular Live Blackjack Providers in Ontario Casinos
Live blackjack in Ontario runs through licensed platforms backed by certified providers like Evolution, Playtech, plus Microgaming. These games stream in HD with real dealers, 8-deck shoes, and fast gameplay. Providers follow iGO rules, offer varied formats, and support responsible play. In 2025, over 85% of Ontario’s online casinos used Evolution tables, which showed strong player demand across all major live options.
Provider | Variants | Key Titles | RTP (%) | Interface Features | Licensing Bodies | Table Limits (CAD) | Fairness Measures |
Evolution | 20+ | Infinite Blackjack, Speed Blackjack | 99.28–99.51 | HD video, multi-angle, side bets, live chat. | iGO, MGA | $5 – $10,000 | eCOGRA testing, live auditing. |
Microgaming | 5–7 | Atlantic City Blackjack, Double Exposure | 99.62–99.65 | Basic layout, Euro/American formats. | MGA, iGO | $5 – $5,000 | RNG checks, table audits. |
Playtech | 10+ | Ruby Blackjack, All Bets Blackjack | 99.46–99.60 | Early surrender, multi-seat, custom environments. | UKGC, iGO | $2 – $7,500 | Monthly reports, shuffler checks. |
OnAir Entertainment | 6+ | Standard Blackjack, Eclipse Blackjack | 99.29–99.51 | Full HD, multiple views, tipping option. | iGO, MGA | $5 – $5,000 | Certified dealers, regular compliance reviews. |
Pragmatic Play | 8+ | Blackjack Azure, VIP Blackjack | 99.40–99.60 | Auto-stand, pre-decision, live support. | iGO, UKGC | $10 – $10,000 | Real-time monitoring, licensed tables. |
Best Ontario Online Casinos to Play Blackjack for Real Money
Ontario sites offer multiple blackjack formats, including classic, live, and RNG. All platforms listed here are iGO-registered, AGCO–licensed, and meet 19+ compliance. Each provides fair-play data, responsible gaming tools, plus transparent game info. Blackjack libraries vary by provider, game type, licence year, plus platform features. All titles display rules clearly without exaggerated claims.
1. Betway
- Benefits of Playing in This Online Casino: Betway Ontario, licensed by AGCO since April 2022, operates under iGO compliance. Blackjack tables feature titles from Evolution plus Pragmatic Live. Dashboard shows session time, spend logs, payment records, plus wagering data. All legal platforms must implement reality checks, deposit limits, time-out options, and other responsible gambling tools. Games are tested by AGCO-approved independent laboratories such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs to ensure fairness and compliance. Players access 24/7 support via live chat. Interface runs in English or French.
- Available Blackjack Types: Classic Blackjack, Power Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack, ONE Blackjack, Blackjack Party
- Licence Year: April 2022
- Other Games: Roulette, baccarat, Sic Bo, craps, Mega Ball, slots, game shows
2. JackpotCity
- Benefits of Playing in This Online Casino: JackpotCity Ontario, licensed since May 2022, operates under Baytree Limited. Blackjack library includes options from Microgaming and OnAir Entertainment. Interface is clean, with gameplay logs and betting data available. Tools include reminders, loss limits, and self-exclusion. Age-gate (19+) plus loss limits meet Ontario rules. Support runs 24/7, with no downloads. Game sections are labelled with the provider plus variant type.
- Available Blackjack Types: Classic Blackjack Gold, Atlantic City Blackjack, European Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack
- Licence Year: May 2022
- Other Games: Roulette, baccarat, video poker, progressive jackpots, keno, live game shows
3. LeoVegas
- Benefits of Playing in This Online Casino: LeoVegas, approved by AGCO in 2022, provides blackjack through RNG plus live formats. Table access runs most hours. LeoSafePlay tools manage session time, losses, plus deposits. Logs, financial data, and RTP figures are downloadable. Mobile login supports biometrics. Interface runs in French or English. Audited reports meet transparency standards under AGCO, ensuring fairness and player protection.
- Available Blackjack Types: Lightning Blackjack, VIP Blackjack, Speed Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack
- Licence Year: April 2022
- Other Games: Roulette, baccarat, poker tables, game shows, Sic Bo, slots
4. Spin Casino
- Benefits of Playing in This Online Casino: Spin Casino Ontario, licensed in May 2022, operates under Baytree Limited. Blackjack options include RNG plus live tables from Evolution. eCOGRA certifies fairness. Time tracking, deposit caps, and play limits appear in the player dashboard. Wager logs, session history, plus payments are visible. No download is needed. Licensed games operate on HTML5-compatible browsers, while platforms must provide customer support via live chat or email.
- Available Blackjack Types: European Blackjack Gold, Vegas Downtown Blackjack, Live Blackjack
- Licence Year: May 2022
- Other Games: Roulette, baccarat, slots, keno, jackpots, live tables
5. Wildz
- Benefits of Playing in This Online Casino: Wildz Ontario, managed by Rootz Ltd since 2022, streams blackjack from Evolution plus Pragmatic Play. The platform includes 19+ tag, deposit tools, time logs, plus self-exclusion. Players track sessions, view wallet activity, and download full logs. Game filters allow provider search. Interface runs in English or French. Session summaries appear periodically. The game lobby uses tags for easy blackjack access.
- Available Blackjack Types: Live Blackjack, Power Blackjack, ONE Blackjack, Speed Blackjack
- Licence Year: October 2022
- Other Games: Roulette, crash games, live baccarat, slots, video poker, dice games
Free Blackjack vs Real Money Online Blackjack
Free blackjack card games runs in demo mode only, while no cash wins or losses occur. Gameplay mirrors real mechanics but uses virtual credits. Access to real-money blackjack is available only after successful age verification confirming the player is 19+. 540,000+ unique Ontario players accessed these table games in 2024. Free mode stays limited to practice. Real-money play enables live tables, tracked sessions, plus verified RTP stats. Unverified patrons can’t access demo or real play under Ontario regulations.
Feature | Free Blackjack (Demo Mode) | Real Money Blackjack |
Monetary Outcome | No real wins or losses. | Real funds wagered plus won or lost. |
Access Restrictions | Requires a registered account (Ontario law). | Needs verified 19+ account. |
Availability | RNG-only tables. | Live dealer plus RNG tables. |
Return-to-Player (RTP) | Shown for learning purposes. | Certified RTP posted (e.g. 99.6%). |
Session Tracking | No game logs or records. | Play history is fully tracked and downloadable. |
Responsible Tools | Optional time caps. | Includes deposit limits, play reminders, and self-checks. |
Regulatory Oversight | Gameplay engine still audited. | AGCO-licensed, iGO–compliant. |
Provider Options | Evolution, Microgaming (RNG only). | Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Live. |
Gameplay Variants | Basic blackjack layout. | Includes Atlantic City, Infinite, Speed, and Ruby tables. |
Deposit Requirement | No cash deposits are allowed. | A deposit is required for real play. |
Session Summary | No logs are generated. | Timestamped summaries + balance totals visible. |
Play Blackjack Online With a Mobile Phone
Mobile blackjack in real money mode expanded fast in Ontario. Cross-platform access plus quick launch boosted player numbers. In 2024, 82% of real-money sessions started via mobile. Android drove 51%, iOS followed with 47%. Players enjoy gesture commands, multi-hand play, and low-latency live tables. By 2025, apps plus browser-based platforms reached 99.1% mobile compatibility. No download is needed. Play stayed smooth across smartphones using HTML5 tech.
Category | Key Details |
Compatibility | 97% AGCO-licensed sites used adaptive HTML5. |
Supported Devices | Android 8.0+, iOS 13+ are fully functional. |
Cross-Platform UX | Auto-rotate, gesture drag, chip overlay, session tracker. |
Top App – LeoVegas | 63% mobile play in 2024; supports live, European, multi-hand blackjack. |
Top App – Royal Panda | 28% rise in sessions (Q1 2024–Q2 2025); low-bandwidth mode enabled. |
Top Site – Betway | 98.5% browser compatibility; live overlay, bet timer features. |
Load Speed | 4.2s (2024) → 2.9s; improved via CDN upgrades. |
Touch Response | 150ms (2024) → 85ms; tested in major Ontario zones. |
Exclusive Tables | 6 (2024) → 14 (2025); includes speed, lightning, single-hand blackjack. |
Usage – Android | 51% of mobile sessions. |
Usage – iOS | 47% of mobile sessions. |
Tips – Connection | Wi-Fi or 5G best; 5G cuts live drops by 22% vs LTE. |
Tips – Performance | Close apps; RAM boost raised game flow by 19% on mid-range devices |
Tips – Battery | Enable low-power mode during extended live sessions |
Difference Between Blackjack in Land-Based and Online Casinos
Ontario’s iGaming market launched in April 2022, and growth surged quickly. In 2024–25, players wagered CA$69.6 billion on casino games, which generated CA$2.4 billion in revenue, representing a 36% year-over-year increase. December 2024 alone hit CA$6.5 billion in online wagers, up 33% from December 2023. This rise came from mobile access, better compatibility, and rising demand for low-limit, remote play.
Feature | Land-Based Casino | Online Casino (Ontario) |
Atmosphere | Physical tables, live dealers, and ambient sounds. Seen in OLG, Niagara, and Fallsview. | Studio dealers via live stream. Includes chat feature plus interactive virtual layout. |
Pace of Play | Dealer controls flow. Avg. 30 hands/hour. | RNG tables run up to 100 hands/hour. Instant deal, no table delay. |
Betting Limits | The cost usually ranges from $5 to $500 and varies by casino and table. | Starts at $1. Max reached $1,000 per hand. Set by provider or table type. |
Social Interaction | Player-to-player talk. Eye contact. Dealer responds in real time. | Chat box only. No live reactions or facial cues. |
Convenience | Travel needed. Often includes dress codes or set hours. | Runs 24/7. Access from mobile or desktop. 60%+ of blackjack sessions use phones. |
Mistakes to Avoid While Playing Online Blackjack
Blackjack online game real money ranks top 3 on Ontario-licensed platforms. Many players still make costly mistakes. Misreading rules, skipping verification, plus inconsistent decisions reduce returns. Despite simple gameplay, avoidable errors remain common. In FY 2024–25, blackjack contributed to CA$69.6 billion in total wagers. Yet poor choices continue to impact outcomes across sessions on regulated sites, highlighting the importance of proper strategy.
- 🎲 Ignoring Basics: Ontario blackjack online versions often use 6–8 decks. House edge stays near 0.36% only with correct moves. Players skipping standard plays like doubling soft 16 vs dealer 4–6, or splitting 8s, raises edge by 1–2%. Misplaying soft hands or standing on hard 15 vs 10 drops return rate. Most tables follow Atlantic City or Vegas Strip rules. Minor rule shifts change optimal plays.
- 🔄 Chasing Losses: Players tracking results across sessions risk overspending. Many exceed loss limits, then re-enter games to recover funds. iGO data links this to repeated deposit attempts inside 24 hours. Ignoring tools like deposit caps, session reminders, plus self-exclusion raises financial risk. Each round uses fresh shuffles, so chasing doesn’t shift odds.
- 🎰 Inconsistent Wagering: Jumping stakes between hands distorts bankroll strategy. Over 43% of Ontario players changed bets by 100% or more between rounds. Mobile patrons showed higher fluctuation due to gesture-based input. Sudden increases raise per-hand variance. Games with instant reshuffles give no edge on streaks. Fixed wagers across hands keep volatility low under steady rules.
- 🚫 Using Unlicensed Sites: Only iGO–certified platforms legally offer blackjack. Non-licensed sites lack game audits, dispute resolution, or reliable payouts. Q2 2025 shows 70+ approved domains under AGCO. All follow RNG testing by iTech Labs or eCOGRA.
Payment Methods and Withdrawals
Ontario blackjack game platforms use region-verified payment systems. Interac leads, followed by Visa, Mastercard, iDebit, Instadebit, MuchBetter, and bank transfers. Each method includes KYC steps, daily caps, and fixed delays. Over 85% of sites support Interac. Cryptocurrency transactions are not permitted on AGCO-licensed platforms under current Ontario gambling regulations. Most withdrawals need ID checks. Funds may clear in 24–72 hours, which depends on the method, with no hidden charges.
Deposit Methods
Payment Method | Processing Time | Min/Max Deposit (CAD) | Fees | Availability | Security Compliance |
Interac | <10 minutes | $10 – $3,000 | None | 85% of platforms | FINTRAC, 2FA |
Visa Debit | Instant | $20 – $5,000 | None | 90% of platforms | PCI-DSS, KYC |
Mastercard Debit | Instant | $20 – $5,000 | None | 88% of platforms | PCI-DSS, KYC |
iDebit | Instant | $10 – $3,000 | Up to $1.50 | 60% of platforms | Bank-authenticated |
Instadebit | <15 minutes | $10 – $5,000 | Up to $1.95 | 60% of platforms | SSL encryption |
MuchBetter | Instant | $20 – $3,000 | None | 40% of platforms | App 2FA, AML |
Bank Transfer | 1–2 business days | $100 – $10,000+ | Bank fees | All platforms | IBAN, ID verified |
Withdrawal Methods
Payment Method | Processing Time | Min/Max Withdrawal (CAD) | Fees | ID Verification | Security Features |
Interac | 24–48 hours | $20 – $3,000 | None | Required | 2FA, KYC, AML |
Visa Debit | 2–5 business days | $25 – $5,000 | None | Required | SSL, Anti-Fraud Systems |
iDebit | 24–72 hours | $20 – $3,000 | Up to $2 | Required | Bank-authenticated |
Instadebit | 24–72 hours | $20 – $5,000 | Up to $2.00 | Required | Transaction logs |
MuchBetter | 24–48 hours | $25 – $3,000 | None | Required | Biometrics, in-app ID check |
Bank Transfer | 3–5 business days | $100 – $25,000+ | Bank fees | Full KYC | Manual AML screening |
Safety and Fairness
Ontario’s online blackjack runs under AGCO and iGO rules. These bodies ensure fair outcomes, strong encryption, verified randomness, and secure player environments. Licensed sites follow strict audits, RNG standards, plus certified game testing. Over 97% of games passed fairness checks in 2025. All platforms adhere to national privacy laws and implement responsible gambling tools in accordance with mandatory compliance rules.
- Licensing + Oversight: Ontario Blackjack casino game platforms require licenses from AGCO and iGO. These demand compliance with Registrar’s Standards, which cover security, fairness, game integrity, plus player ID checks. Non-compliant games get disqualified.
- RNGs: All digital games must use AGCO-approved RNGs. These meet ISO/IEC 17025 standards. Labs like eCOGRA or GLI test randomness. In 2025, 4.8 million hands passed uniformity checks.
- Independent Testing: Certified labs test each game before launch. Tests cover payout accuracy, variance tracking, plus algorithm checks. Recertification is mandatory after updates. Labs must be ISO-rated plus iGO-recognised.
- Data Privacy + Encryption: Sites follow PIPEDA rules. All personal data is encrypted using TLS 1.2+. Internal access is locked by MFA plus role-based control. No exceptions.
- Fairness Reports + Audits: Each blackjack Ontario game shows RTP approved by regulators. Regular audits are mandatory, while failure to comply triggers licence risk. All test logs go to AGCO.
- Responsible Gambling: Platforms must offer tools, like deposit caps, play timers, and self-exclusion. Demo games must not simulate real-money outcomes or suggest that success in demo mode reflects real-money results, as per Ontario Standards. All platforms must show “Play Responsibly – 19+” with links to ConnexOntario.
Play Online Blackjack Responsibly in Ontario
Ontario blackjack online platforms must follow AGCO rules. Every operator offers player tools, which include deposit caps, loss limits, play timers, plus wager controls. Options include short breaks or full self-exclusion for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Tools show at signup plus within accounts. Sites display ConnexOntario links, support banners, and RG Check status. Goal: reduce player harm with constant safeguards and promote responsible gambling habits.