Balanced Play Guide

• Decide how much money you can afford to lose before participating
• Only use disposable income—never money meant for bills, rent, or essentials
• Set a weekly or monthly budget and stick to it
• Consider your spending limit as the cost of entertainment, not an investment
• Never chase losses by increasing your spending

• Set time limits for participation sessions
• Take regular breaks—use timers as reminders
• Balance number draws with other hobbies and activities
• Avoid participating when tired, stressed, or under the influence
• Never let participation interfere with work, school, or family obligations

• All number draws are games of chance—outcomes are random
• The odds are designed so the house wins in the long term
• Past results do not influence future outcomes
• There is no strategy or system that guarantees wins
• View participation as entertainment, not a way to make money

• Participate with friends or family rather than alone
• Talk openly about wins and losses
• Stop if you're no longer having fun
• Never use number draws to cope with stress, boredom, or negative emotions
• Celebrate responsibly if you win

• Don't borrow money to participate
• Don't try to win back money you've lost (chasing losses)
• Don't participate to escape problems or negative feelings
• Don't keep your participation habits secret from loved ones
• Don't neglect responsibilities to participate

Common Warning Signs:

• Spending more money or time than you intended
• Difficulty stopping or cutting back on participation
• Preoccupation with number draws (constantly thinking about them)
• Needing to spend more to feel the same excitement
• Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut back
• Using participation to escape problems or relieve negative moods
• Lying to family or friends about your participation
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund participation
• Jeopardizing relationships, employment, or education
• Chasing losses by participating more after losing
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about participation
• Neglecting personal hygiene, health, or responsibilities

1. Do you spend more than you can afford on number draws?
2. Do you need to participate with increasing amounts of money?
3. Have you tried to stop or cut back but been unable to?
4. Do you participate to escape worry or trouble?
5. After losing, do you return another day to try to win back losses?
6. Have you lied to family or friends about your participation?
7. Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund participation?
8. Has participation caused problems in your relationships?
9. Has participation negatively affected your work or studies?
10. Do you feel restless or irritable when not participating?

National Gambling Helpline

Phone: 1-800-461-0140
Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services: Confidential support, counseling referrals, and information in English and French

• Express concern without judgment—use "I" statements ("I'm worried about...")
• Listen without lecturing or trying to control their behavior
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Set boundaries to protect your own wellbeing
• Avoid enabling behaviors like lending money or covering up consequences
• Seek support for yourself—family counseling services are available

Remember:

Recovery is possible. Thousands of Canadians have successfully overcome gaming-related challenges with proper support. Taking the first step by acknowledging a problem and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Need Help Now?

If you're experiencing a crisis or need immediate support:

Call the National Gambling Helpline: 1-800-461-0140
Available 24/7 for confidential support and referrals

Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
24/7 support for mental health crises