Play responsibly
Here's how to keep lottery gaming fun, and what to do if it's becoming problematic.
Playing lottery should be fun
LotteryUSA.com encourages responsible lottery play. Lottery games are designed to entertain players while providing additional funds for social, education, and health programs. If you find that playing the lottery is starting to negatively impact your life, or that of those around you, there is help available.
This negative impact can be seen in different areas of your life including your health, relationships, career, and finances. If you find yourself in this situation, remember that it is perfectly normal to need help and that reaching out is often the best way to move forward.
If playing the lottery is negatively affecting your life, there is help available for you 24/7. Professionals will help you overcome this situation confidentially and without judgment. The National Council on Problem Gambling operates a 24-hour helpline available across all 50 states as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Play responsibly and problem gambling FAQs
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling occurs when an individual continues their gambling behavior despite harmful consequences in their relationships, career, or finances.
How do I know if I have a gambling problem?
Common symptoms of problem gambling include lying about your gambling behavior, the urge to bet increasing amounts of money, and an inability to stop or control gambling despite negative consequences.
How bad can problem gambling become?
Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria. Extreme cases of problem gambling may result in financial ruin, legal issues, loss of relationships and career, or suicide.
Is problem gambling the result of irresponsible or weak-willed people?
Not at all. No one who gambles is immune to developing a problem. This problem is very hard – sometimes even impossible – to tackle alone, regardless of how strong-willed you are. This is why reaching out for help is so important.
What causes problem gambling?
There are many factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing problem gambling. These can include genetic predispositions to addictive behaviors as well as their upbringing and family life.
How often do you have to play or how much money do you have to spend before gambling becomes a problem?
How often someone plays or how much they have spent or won playing the lottery does not determine the existence of a problem. Problem gambling becomes an issue as soon as it starts to have a negative impact on any area of an individual’s life or the lives of those around them.
