Responsible Play

Neutral guidance to encourage balanced, mindful participation in lottery-style number games and to highlight where support may be available.

Responsible Play & Support Resources

Play Online encourages a careful, considered approach to any form of number draw or lottery-style activity. This page outlines responsible play principles, early warning signs and where people can turn for additional help if gambling-related harm is a concern.

1. Responsible play principles

Responsible play means keeping control over how often and how much you engage with lottery-style games, and remembering that these activities are optional entertainment. They are not designed to provide stable income or fix financial difficulties.

• Use only money you can comfortably afford to lose.
• Keep number games as a small, low-priority part of your leisure time.
• Avoid relying on games of chance to manage debts or financial pressure.
• Be honest with yourself — and with others — about how often you play and how much you spend.

2. Setting limits

Clear, pre-decided limits are one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy habits. Limits can cover time, spending and planned breaks.

Time limits

Decide how much time you are comfortable spending thinking about, planning or participating in draw games. Try to avoid repeatedly checking results or planning entries throughout the day.

Spending limits

Choose a firm maximum amount for a given period (for example, per month). Treat this limit as fixed, regardless of wins or losses.

Cooling-off periods

Taking regular breaks helps maintain perspective. If lottery-style games occupy more attention than you would like, consider taking a longer pause to reassess your habits.

3. Warning signs to watch for

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. A single sign does not necessarily indicate a problem, but repeating patterns deserve attention. Common warning signs include:

• Spending more time or money on draw games than planned.
• Trying to “win back” losses or chase previous outcomes.
• Feeling stressed, anxious, low or guilty after playing.
• Hiding tickets, statements or activity from others.
• Allowing play to interfere with work, sleep, study or responsibilities.
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, loneliness or emotional discomfort.

If several points feel familiar, it may be a good moment to speak with a qualified support service or a trusted person.

4. Supporting someone else

When concerned about the gambling habits of a friend or family member, these approaches may help:

• Choose a calm moment and speak without judgement or blame.
• Describe specific behaviours rather than assigning labels.
• Encourage them to read neutral information on risks and support.
• Offer help contacting a professional service, if they are open to it.

It may also be helpful for you to seek guidance, even if the person you are worried about is not ready to change.

5. Support and help resources

If you are in Canada and concerned about gambling-related behaviour — your own or someone else’s — confidential, non-judgemental support is available. Options differ by province or territory.

Provincial examples

Loto-Québec — Responsible Gaming
Information and tools for players in Québec.
Website: loteries.lotoquebec.com

aidejeu.ca
Support service offering information and help related to gambling in Québec.
Website: aidejeu.ca/en/

International resources

GambleAware (UK)
Independent organisation providing tools, guidance and support.
Website: gambleaware.org

Gamblers Help (Australia)
Australian service providing information, counselling and support.
Website: gamblershelp.com.au

General guidance

Many Canadian provinces operate their own responsible gambling helplines, government pages and web resources. Searching terms like “responsible gambling + your province” can help locate local support.

In urgent or crisis situations, contact your local emergency number or an appropriate crisis support hotline immediately.

6. Our role

Play Online is not a counselling service and does not provide personalised therapeutic advice. Its role is limited to offering neutral educational content and pointing visitors toward recognised support providers.

7. Commitment to responsible communication

The editorial approach of Play Online is to describe lottery-style games in balanced, factual terms, highlighting potential risks alongside basic mechanics. The website aims to avoid language that portrays gambling as a solution to personal, financial or emotional challenges.

If you believe that any part of this website could be improved from a responsible play perspective, you may contact the administrator with your suggestions.