What is underage gambling?

What is underage gambling – take our short quiz to test your knowledge.

Answer True or False: (10 questions)

1.True or False – Underage gambling can be defined as gambling under the legal age specified for a locality.

TRUE - In Canada, the legal age for use usually ranges from 18-19 years based on the activity and province or territory. In PEI, the legal age to use alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco is 19+).

2.True or False – In PEI, you must be 17 or older to buy lottery tickets, play VLT’s or engage in other gambling.

FALSE. You must be 19+ to gamble in PEI. There is only one exception which is 16+ to play bingo, age 12 if accompanied by an adult.

3.True or False - Gambling can take many forms: lotteries, bingo, card games, horse racing, sports betting, casino games, video games, online gambling, and dice

TRUE. All of these are gambling. The definition of gambling is risking something of value in a contest, game, or activity where the outcome depends on chance.

4.True or False – It is legal for youth 16+ to play BINGO in PEI.

TRUE. Gambling is for persons age 19+ with one exception, bingo is for ages 16+ in PEI, age 12 if accompanied by an adult.

5.True or False – Age is important when talking about gambling because a certain level of maturity is required to make informed choices and perform these activities.

TRUE. That is why there is a legal age for Islanders to gamble, drink alcohol, buy tobacco, or buy cannabis (19+)

6.True or False – Gambling is risking something of value (like money or a valuable object such as a piece of jewelry or a hockey card) in a contest, game or activity where the outcome depends on chance.

TRUE. Risking something of value in a contest, game or activity where the outcome is unsure or dependent on chance is known as gambling.

7.True or False - Underage gambling problems are most common amongst girls

FALSE – underage gambling problems of low, moderate or severe nature are significantly more likely amongst boys than girls, according to the Grades 7-12 youth living in Ontario. (Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey [PDF], 2019., page 12)

8.True or False - Signs that your youth could be gambling include physical changes like trouble sleeping and changes in eating and focus; emotional changes like mood swings, anxiety or depression; problems at school with behaviors or grades; relationship issues with teachers, friends or family members; money problems or possessions that go missing; and substance use.

TRUE. Any of these issues may be cause for concern. It is never too early or late for youth and their caregivers to reach out for help.

9.True or False - The best way to educate my youth about gambling is by allowing them to use the internet as much as possible and explore on their own.

FALSE. Some of the best ways to educate youth about gambling include:

1. Being involved with youth and learning about what they do with friends
2. setting safe rules and consequences for their behaviors
3. monitoring their use of technology and explaining the risks of gambling
4. Lead by example by setting limits on time, money and access to games.

These protective factors model healthy play.

10.True or False - It is never too early or too late to reach out for help if needed

TRUE. We invite you to explore the information and help available in PEI. You can also call the PEI Gambling Support Line (24/7/365) at: 1-855-255-4255. The phone line is a good starting point to ask questions and/or seek help.