Making A Change Plan

Make that change, you can do it!  Putting an end to gambling harm in your life is possible, and you don't have to do it alone.
1.  Talk to someone Talk to someone

If you are finding it hard to talk about your gambling, or to seek support, you’re not alone – many people feel like this. But you need to know that it’s ok to talk freely and openly about any gambling worries you or a loved one may be experiencing.  Talking about your feelings can help you strengthen your commitment to change. And, it will help you see that you’re not alone. Reach out to someone. Anyone. A friend or family member, a counsellor, an online peer support group, or even your physician.

  • Have an anonymous conversation.  Call the PEI Gambling Support Line at #1-855-255-4255 to connect 24/7 with free professional counselling support.
     
  • Connect with a counsellor in person through PEI Mental Health and Addictions Open Access Counselling services.  No appointment or referral is necessary, just walk in and meet with a counsellor right away. 
     
  • Connect with others at one of the PEI Gambling Support Groups.  There are two weekly gambling support groups (facilitated by a trained clinician). There is no need for referral and no need to call ahead to advise of attendance – drop-ins are welcome.
     
    • Charlottetown: Thursdays 4:30 - 6pm at 161 St. Peters Rd, Suite 120. (Sherwood Business Centre) For more information or questions please contact: #902-368-4287
       
    • Summerside: Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00pm at Community Mental Health and Addictions (back entrance to Prince County Hospital). For more information or questions please contact: #902-888-8380
2.  Accept your losses

The psychological effects of dealing with gambling losses can be intense. Many people experience frustration, regret, or depression after gambling loss, which can make it hard to move on. 

A common pitfall is chasing losses in gambling—the urge to continue betting in an attempt to recover lost money. This behaviour can lead to even more significant losses and emotional distress.

When a gambling loss happens, take a moment to step back and reflect. Resist the urge to gamble again. Instead, accept the loss and focus on healthier ways to move forward. Avoid making impulsive decisions, such as borrowing more money to bet. It’s crucial to stop and consider the consequences rather than immediately trying to figure out how to recover from a gambling loss by continuing to gamble.

3.  Protect your finances and seek financial help 

Financial recovery after a gamble loss requires careful planning. Begin by evaluating your financial situation and creating a budget that focuses on paying off essential expenses first.  It might help to consult with a counsellor at Family Service PEI's Financial Empowerment Program  who can offer credit counselling services like personalized budgeting & financial information sessions catered specifically to those facing financial hardships..

  • Avoid borrowing money or gambling again, as this will only worsen the problem.  
  • Leave your credit and debit cards at home
  • Limit the amount of cash you have access to
  • set a daily withdrawal limit
  • set up a co-signer for withdrawals

4.  Block online gambling websites and remove gambling Apps

Adding gambling sites to your browsers restricted/red flag list will help you take control. Use gambling blocking programs like BetBlocker and GamBan that are designed to block online gambling sites and apps.

5.  Self Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a tool you can use to take a break from gambling. It’s a program you enter voluntarily with an online or land-based gambling operator. You agree not to gamble for a chosen time.
In PEI, The Break In Play program at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino in both Charlottetown and Summerside can provide you with a short pause or a longer break to assess your gambling.
You can also use ALC's online self exclusion tools to take a break from play in the virtual world.