Play smart. Get help if you need it.

Warning signs

Problem gambling rarely starts as a problem. Watch for these patterns — in yourself or someone close to you:

• Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses with bigger bets.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to keep playing.
• Lying to family or friends about how much you spend on lottery or gambling.
• Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, or anxiety.
• Skipping work, family events, or sleep to play.

Self-exclusion programs

Every Canadian provincial lottery offers a voluntary self-exclusion program. You can ban yourself from casinos, online play, and prize claims for a defined period (typically 6 months to lifetime). Some examples:

• Ontario: OLG Self-Exclusion (in person at any OLG site or via olg.ca).
• BC: GameSense Voluntary Self-Exclusion.
• Quebec:Loto-Québec Auto-exclusion program.
• Atlantic: ALC Voluntary Self-Exclusion at any retail location.

Healthy play tips

• Set a weekly limit before you buy — and stop when you hit it.
• Treat ticket cost as entertainment spend, like a movie ticket.
• Never use credit, savings, or borrowed money to play.
• Take regular breaks. If you play every draw, try skipping a week.
• Don’t play to recover losses — that’s how problems start.
• Talk openly with family about how much you spend.

Understanding the odds

The odds of winning the Lotto Max jackpot on a single $5 selection are approximately 1 in 33.3 million. For Lotto 6/49’s Gold Ball Jackpot, approximately 1 in 14 million. You are statistically more likely to be struck by lightning twice than to win a major lottery jackpot.