Taking a Break

How do I know when to take a break from gambling?

Recognizing when it's time to step back, explore practical pause and self-exclusion tools, and find healthy activities to replace 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
PEI Sunset in a field

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.
Learn more about 24-Hour Pause →

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, you agree with operators to abstain from gambling for a specific time.
  • Helps focus on other aspects of life like finances or relationships and access community supports.
Red Shores Break In Play Program →

Reach Out

  • Reach out to trusted family members or friends for support.
  • Let them know what you are experiencing so they can check in or lend a listening ear.
  • If you are still struggling after self-exclusion, seek a counseling referral from support lines.
PEI Gambling Support Line 1-855-255-4255

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!
 
Support Available 24/7

Need Help or Have Questions?

Reach out anytime for free, confidential assistance and support across PEI at the PEI Gaming and Gambling Support Line.

1-855-255-4255