Underage Gambling Quiz

Underage gambling can be defined as gambling under the legal age specified for a locality.

In Canada, the legal age for use usually ranges from 18-19 years based on the activity and province or territory. In PEI, the legal age to use alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco is 19+.

In PEI, you must be 17 or older to buy lottery tickets, play VLT’s or engage in other gambling.

You must be 19+ to gamble in PEI. There is only one exception which is 16+ to play bingo, age 12 if accompanied by an adult.

Gambling can take many forms: lotteries, bingo, card games, horse racing, sports betting, casino games, video games, online gambling, and dice.

All of these are gambling. The definition of gambling is risking something of value in a contest, game, or activity where the outcome depends on chance.

It is legal for youth 16+ to play BINGO in PEI.

Gambling is for persons age 19+ with one exception, bingo is for ages 16+ in PEI, age 12 if accompanied by an adult.

Age is important when talking about gambling because a certain level of maturity is required to make informed choices.

That is why there is a legal age for Islanders to gamble, drink alcohol, buy tobacco, or buy cannabis (19+).

Gambling is risking something of value (like money or a valuable object) in a contest where the outcome depends on chance.

Risking something of value in a contest, game or activity where the outcome is unsure or dependent on chance is known as gambling.

Underage gambling problems are most common amongst girls.

Underage gambling problems of low, moderate or severe nature are significantly more likely amongst boys than girls, according to Grades 7-12 youth living in Ontario (Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey [PDF], 2019, page 12).

Signs that your youth could be gambling include physical changes, emotional changes, school problems, money issues, and substance use.

Any of these issues may be cause for concern. It is never too early or late for youth and their caregivers to reach out for help.

The best way to educate my youth about gambling is by allowing them to use the internet as much as possible on their own.

Some of the best ways to educate youth about gambling include:

• 1. Being involved with youth and learning about what they do with friends
• 2. Setting safe rules and consequences for their behaviors
• 3. Monitoring their use of technology and explaining the risks of gambling
• 4. Leading by example by setting limits on time, money and access to games

These protective factors model healthy play.

It is never too early or too late to reach out for help if needed.

We invite you to explore the information and help available in PEI. You can also call the PEI Gambling Support Line (24/7/365) at: 1-855-255-4255. The phone line is a good starting point to ask questions and/or seek help.