Essential Tips for Safe Participation
Gambling and lottery participation should always be treated as a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money. The following principles can help you stay in control:
Set a Budget
Decide in advance how much you can afford to spend on lottery participation and stick to that limit. Only use funds set aside for leisure. Never use money needed for essentials such as rent, bills, or groceries.
Monitor Your Time
Keep track of the time you spend reading about draws or taking part in gambling activities. Lottery play should never interfere with work, family responsibilities, or daily life.
Know the Odds
All number draws are random and no system or method can guarantee a win. Treat participation purely as entertainment and never as a way to recover previous losses or solve financial difficulties.
Respect Your Limits
Pay attention to how you feel when you play. If you notice stress, frustration, or the urge to chase losses, it is a clear signal to stop and take a break. Consider excluding yourself from gambling activities, lowering your spending limits, or seeking professional support.
Recognising Possible Gambling Problems
You may be at risk of developing a gambling problem if one or more of the following applies:
- You gamble with money that should cover essential expenses.
- You hide the amount of time or money spent on gambling from friends or family.
- You feel anxious or irritable when you try to cut back.
- You gamble to escape stress, problems, or negative emotions rather than for entertainment.
- You repeatedly try to win back previous losses.
If any of these points sound familiar, consider pausing all gambling activity and seeking support from specialised services.
Where to Get Help
If you are worried about your own gambling or someone else’s, free and confidential help is available:
- In Québec, call 1-800-461-0140 or visit aidejeu.ca for information, tools, and professional assistance.
- Additional independent resources include GambleAware and Gambler’s Help.
National Numbers Guide is an informational platform only. We do not publish draw results, do not provide tools to participate in lottery-style games, and do not offer any functionality to purchase tickets or manage wagers.