Call the confidential and dedicated PEI Gambling Support line: 1-855-255-4255
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Gambling and gaming affect different people in different ways. Select the section that best reflects your situation.
Informed choices begin with understanding. Learn what gambling is, how harm develops, and what lower-risk strategies look like in practice.
What Is Gambling?
Gambling is any activity where something of value is risked on an uncertain outcome — lottery tickets, casino games, sports betting, online platforms, and increasingly, elements embedded in video games such as loot boxes.
For most Islanders it remains recreational. For some, it can escalate into a pattern that harms finances, relationships, and mental health. Understanding how risk builds is the first step in making informed choices.
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Lower-Risk Gambling
All forms of gambling carry risk — harm can affect anyone, regardless of experience. These evidence-based guidelines help reduce the chance of harm:
Set a strict budget before you play and stick to it
Treat gambling as entertainment — not a way to earn money
Limit how often and how long you gamble
Never gamble when upset, stressed, or under the influence
Know the signs of harm — and know when to stop
The Gambling and Gaming Support Unit (GSU) is a prevention and education team within the Government of Prince Edward Island's Department of Health and Wellness. We provide evidence-based information, public awareness campaigns, and referral pathways — connecting Islanders with the clinical and peer support they need.
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