Take a Lower Risk approach to gambling 
Unlike many ways we entertain ourselves like going out to dinner or a movie, there’s an inherent built-in risk when it comes to gambling activities. The odds are that over time you will lose more often than you win.
Here are some strategies you can use to play safe and have fun.
- Don’t gamble when you’re upset or stressed
- Limit your alcohol and/or cannabis intake while gambling
- Know how the games work before you wager
- Set budget and time limits – there are tools available on many slot machines, mobile and internet gambling sites to help you monitor your play
- Take frequent breaks – move around, get some fresh air, have something to eat or a coffee
- Only gamble with money you have – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent or food
- Don’t try to win back what you’ve lost
- Gambling is not a way to make money so don’t think of it as a chance to win money for a trip, to pay bills or to pay off debt
- Stick to your budget by leaving your credit and debit cards at home
- Balance gambling with other recreational activities
- If you’re no longer having fun, stop playing
- Don’t depend on “good luck” strategies – they don’t increase your chances of winning
And if you're gambling online ...
- Only gamble on legal websites that have pre-commitment tools in place to help you manage your play by setting time and/or money limits
- Use a free gambling site blocker app to restrict or limit your access
- Watch out for hidden fees when it comes to the costs of using your credit card to play
- Be cautious of incentives for free money ... that's a hook to keep you spending more and most often losing more.
- You can block sites you don’t want access to or set time limits using software like Bet Blocker* and GamBan*
(*The PEI Gambling Support Unit does not endorse, make recommendation or assume responsibility for use of any particular gambling blocking software. We would always encourage you to do your own research, to find out which is the best product for you. Make sure you are aware of this important detail: some blocking software is free, but some do include a charge for use.)
The Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines
Gambling involves playing a game of chance for money. If you gamble, the new Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction show you how to lower the risks and harms associated with gambling. There are only three guidelines, but you should follow all three.
The Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines Scientific Working Group used the most current scientific evidence available when developing the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines. They are for people of legal gambling age who want to make more informed choices about their gambling. Learn more
