How do I know when to take a break from gambling? 
Perhaps…
- You feel you are ready to make a change
- You feel like taking a break could be helpful to you
- Your urge to gamble is taking over your life and causing undue stress
- You are experiencing problems in your daily life related to your finances, health, relationships, school or work, or the law
How can I take a break from gambling?
Here's a few ways that can help ......
24 HOUR PAUSE
One of the easiest ways to take a break from gambling is known as taking a 24 Hour Pause.
- A player can take a 24 hour pause from gambling at anytime by signing into their alc.ca online players account.
- Although a person taking a pause can sign into their account, while they are on a 24-hour pause they are unable to make a deposit or wager.
- For more information on taking a 24-Hour Pause or the Self Exclusion Program at Atlantic Lottery, click here.
SELF-EXCLUSION
Another way people choose to take a break from their gambling is called self-exclusion.
- Self-exclusion programs have been adopted in many places world-wide to help you control your gambling.
- When you choose to self-exclude from gambling you are agreeing with land-based or online gambling operators to abstain from gambling for a specific time.
- Self-exclusion can help you to take a break from gambling and focus on the other important aspects of your life such as your finances or relationships.
- In addition, you may gain awareness and access to additional community supports that can help you in your recovery process.
- For more information on The Break In Play Program (self exclusion) at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino in Charlottetown and Summerside click here
REACH OUT
- Reach out to trusted family members or friends for support.
- Let them know what you are experiencing so they can call to check in on you or simply lend a listening ear.
- If you find that you are still struggling with gambling after self-exclusion you may wish to seek further information or a referral for counselling from the PEI Gambling Support Line 1-855-255-4255 – a FREE, 24 hour, 7 day a week service for Islanders
TRY NEW ACTIVITIES
Look to replace your gambling with a variety of healthy activities that you enjoy. Challenge yourself (or grab your family or a friend) to try one or all the ideas below. The most important thing is that you start!
- Take a drive to the country
- read a book
- yoga
- drawing, sketching, doodling, colouring
- crafting
- journaling
- guided meditation
- sit in nature and listen to the sounds
- play with a pet
- listen to music, learn an instrument, sing
- listen to a podcast
- find a new walking or biking trail
- visit the beach or a lighthouse
- go fishing or clam digging
- catch a concert, theatre or live performance
- visit the library
- plan a picnic
- take a community school course
- start to volunteer or help a senior
- learn to cook or garden
- watch the sunrise or sunset .... never gets old!