1. Core Principles
- Entertainment first: Treat every ticket like a movie ticket—paid for the experience, not an outcome.
- Clear boundaries: Set time and spend limits before you play. Stick to them.
- Informed choices: Understand odds, draw schedules, and what “random” really means.
- Pause anytime: Take breaks regularly. If it’s not fun, step away.
- Zero pressure: Never chase losses; tomorrow’s draw is a new event, not a fix.
2. Healthy Play Habits
- Budget the fun: Decide a weekly entertainment amount that fits your life—and never exceed it.
- Plan your cadence: Choose a routine (e.g., one draw a week) so play doesn’t become constant.
- Keep perspective: Wins are rare by design. The value is the experience, not the expected return.
- Share the plan: Tell a friend or family member your boundaries; accountability helps.
- Balance activities: Mix lottery moments with other hobbies that recharge you.
3. Tools & Limits
Practical controls
- Set spend limits: Use a separate entertainment budget or prepaid card.
- Time caps: Add reminders or calendar blocks—short, pre-set, and regular.
- Cooling-off breaks: Take 7–30 day pauses if you feel play is getting sticky.
- Disable prompts: Turn off marketing emails or notifications if they nudge you too often.
- Information control: Revisit cookie settings to reduce tracking you don’t want.
4. Quick Self-Check
Answer honestly—these are for you, not for us:
- Have I spent more than I planned in the last month?
- Have I chased a loss hoping to “get even” soon after?
- Do lottery thoughts distract me from work, studies, or relationships?
- Have friends or family expressed concern about my play?
- Do I feel irritable when I skip a draw?
If you answered “yes” more than once, consider a cooling-off period and speak with a support service below.
5. Early Warning Signs
| Area | What to watch for | Helpful action |
|---|---|---|
| Money | Using funds meant for bills, borrowing to play, hiding receipts. | Freeze spending, review statements with a trusted person. |
| Time | Skipping commitments, frequent last-minute purchases. | Introduce strict time windows; take a 14-day break. |
| Mood | Irritability when not playing, chasing after losses. | Swap play with restorative activities; seek support. |
| Relationships | Secrecy, conflicts about spending or habits. | Open a conversation; set visible limits together. |
6. Support & Resources (Canada)
ConnexOntario (ON): 1-866-531-2600 — 24/7, free, confidential.
Gambling: Help and Referral (QC): aidejeu.ca
Health Links (MB): Provincial resources via health authority.
BC Gambling Support: Provincial supports via health services.
Your provincial health site lists local helplines and counselling options.
Immediate risk? If you or someone else is in danger, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Prefer online first? Many provinces offer chat or email support via their official health pages. You can start anonymously and decide next steps at your pace.
Need a private starting point? You can also contact us and we’ll point you to official support pages in your province.
7. If You’re Concerned About Someone
- Start with empathy—ask how they’re feeling rather than what they’re spending.
- Share this page and offer to set limits together.
- Suggest a short break and a call to a provincial helpline.
- Protect household budgets: separate essential funds immediately.
- If safety is at risk, contact emergency services.
8. Updates
We review this page periodically to reflect new tools and resources. The “Effective date” at the top shows the latest revision.
9. Contact Us
Website: pickslotto.com
General support: [email protected]
Privacy & policies: [email protected]
Picks Lotto Canada Inc., 135 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5H 3C6, Canada