Need Help Now?

24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-866-531-2600

Our Commitment

At Polaris Prize Lottery, we believe that playing the lottery should be fun, entertaining, and a positive experience. We are committed to promoting responsible gaming and providing tools and resources to help you play within your means.

Player Protection

We provide tools to help you manage your play and set personal limits.

Age Verification

Strict 18+ enforcement with ID verification required for all players.

Support & Resources

Access to professional help, counseling, and support organizations.

Education

Clear information about odds, risks, and healthy gaming habits.

What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming means:

  • Playing lottery games for entertainment, not as a way to make money
  • Only spending what you can afford to lose
  • Understanding that the odds are against winning large prizes
  • Keeping gaming in balance with other activities in your life
  • Not chasing losses or trying to win back money
  • Recognizing warning signs of problem gambling

Remember: Lottery games are games of chance. The outcome is random and cannot be predicted or controlled. Play for fun, not for financial gain.

Warning Signs

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Be aware of these warning signs:

Financial Signs

  • Spending more money than you can afford
  • Borrowing money to play lottery games
  • Hiding purchases or lying about spending
  • Financial problems due to lottery spending
  • Neglecting bills or other financial obligations

Behavioral Signs

  • Spending more time than intended playing
  • Inability to stop or cut back
  • Playing to escape problems or relieve stress
  • Chasing losses or trying to win back money
  • Preoccupation with lottery games

Relationship Signs

  • Conflicts with family or friends about gaming
  • Lying to loved ones about playing habits
  • Neglecting relationships and social activities
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Gaming interfering with work or responsibilities

Emotional Signs

  • Feeling guilty or ashamed about gaming
  • Anxiety or depression related to gaming
  • Mood swings based on wins or losses
  • Irritability when unable to play
  • Using gaming to cope with emotions

Self-Assessment Quiz

Answer these questions honestly to assess your gaming habits:

1. Have you spent more money on lottery games than you intended?

2. Do you feel the need to play with increasing amounts of money?

3. Have you tried to cut back on gaming but couldn't?

4. Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to reduce gaming?

5. Have you lied to family or friends about your gaming?

6. Has gaming caused problems in your relationships or work?

7. Do you play to escape problems or negative feelings?

8. Have you tried to win back losses by gaming more?

If you answered "yes" to 2 or more questions, you may be at risk for problem gambling. Please seek help from the resources listed below.

Responsible Gaming Tools

We provide several tools to help you maintain control over your gaming:

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your account.

  • Choose your own limit amount
  • Changes take 24 hours to take effect
  • Prevents overspending
  • Can be decreased immediately

Spending Limits

Limit how much you can spend on lottery tickets per day, week, or month.

  • Control total spending
  • Set limits that work for your budget
  • Automatic enforcement
  • Review and adjust anytime

Time Limits

Set limits on how long you can play in a single session or per day.

  • Session time reminders
  • Daily time limits
  • Automatic logout after limit
  • Balance gaming with other activities

Reality Checks

Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.

  • Pop-up reminders every 30-60 minutes
  • Shows session duration and spending
  • Helps maintain awareness
  • Customizable frequency

Take a Break

Temporarily suspend your account for a cooling-off period.

  • Choose 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days
  • Account frozen during break
  • Cannot deposit or play
  • Reactivates automatically after period

Self-Exclusion

Exclude yourself from playing for a minimum of 6 months up to permanent exclusion.

  • Minimum 6 months, up to 5 years or lifetime
  • Account closed during exclusion
  • Cannot create new accounts
  • Cannot be reversed during period

How to Set Up Tools: Log into your account, go to "Account Settings" → "Responsible Gaming Tools" and configure your preferences. All tools are free to use and can help you stay in control.

Get Help & Support

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:

Problem Gambling Helpline

1-866-531-2600

Available: 24/7, 365 days a year

Services:

  • Immediate crisis support
  • Professional counseling referrals
  • Information and resources
  • Support in multiple languages

Free, confidential, and anonymous

ConnexOntario

1-866-531-2600

www.connexontario.ca

Free, confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health.

Responsible Gambling Council

www.responsiblegambling.org

Services:

  • Educational resources
  • Self-assessment tools
  • Treatment finder
  • Research and prevention programs

Gamblers Anonymous

www.gamblersanonymous.org

Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope to solve their common problem and help others recover.

Find a meeting near you or join online meetings.

Gam-Anon

www.gam-anon.org

Support group for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling problem.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

1-800-463-2338

www.camh.ca

Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. Provides treatment, research, and education.

Provincial Resources

Additional resources by province:

Ontario: ConnexOntario - 1-866-531-2600
British Columbia: BC Problem Gambling Helpline - 1-888-795-6111
Alberta: Alberta Health Services - 1-866-332-2322
Quebec: Gambling: Help and Referral - 1-800-461-0140
Manitoba: Klinic Community Health - 1-888-322-3019
Saskatchewan: HealthLine - 811

Helping Someone Else

If you're concerned about a friend or family member's gaming habits:

1

Recognize the Signs

Look for behavioral changes, financial problems, relationship issues, or emotional distress.

2

Choose the Right Time

Have a calm, private conversation when the person is not gaming and both of you can talk without interruption.

3

Express Your Concern

Use "I" statements: "I'm worried about..." or "I've noticed..." Avoid blame and judgment.

4

Listen Without Judgment

Let them share their feelings and experiences. Don't interrupt or criticize.

5

Offer Support

Share information about available resources and offer to help them seek professional support.

6

Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with a gambling problem can be stressful. Seek support for yourself through Gam-Anon or counseling.

Important: Don't lend money, cover debts, or enable their gambling. Set boundaries and encourage professional help.

Understanding the Odds

It's important to understand that lottery games are games of chance with long odds:

Approximate Odds of Winning:

Game Prize Odds
Lotto 6/49 Jackpot (6/6 match) 1 in 13,983,816
Lotto 6/49 5/6 + Bonus 1 in 2,330,636
Lotto Max Jackpot (7/7 match) 1 in 33,294,800
Daily Grand $1,000/day for life 1 in 13,348,188

Important Facts:

  • Each draw is independent - past results don't affect future outcomes
  • There is no system or strategy to improve your odds
  • "Lucky" numbers are not more likely to win
  • The house always has an edge - expect to lose more than you win
  • Lottery games should never be viewed as a way to make money

Minor Protection

We take underage gambling seriously:

  • Strict Age Verification: All players must be 18+ with ID verification required
  • Account Monitoring: Suspicious accounts are investigated and suspended
  • Parental Controls: Tools to help parents monitor and control access
  • Education: Resources for parents about preventing underage gambling
  • Zero Tolerance: Immediate account closure for underage play

Parents: Keep your login credentials secure. Monitor your credit cards and devices. Talk to your children about the risks of gambling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I think I have a gambling problem?

The first step is recognizing there may be a problem. Call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-866-531-2600 for free, confidential support. You can also use our self-exclusion tool to take a break.

Can I reverse a self-exclusion?

No. Self-exclusion cannot be reversed during the exclusion period. This is to protect you from impulsive decisions. The minimum period is 6 months.

Are responsible gaming tools really confidential?

Yes. Using responsible gaming tools is completely confidential. No one else will be notified if you set limits or take a break.

How do I talk to my family about my gambling?

Be honest and open. Acknowledge the problem and share your plan to get help. Consider family counseling or support groups like Gam-Anon for family members.

Will getting help affect my account?

Seeking help will never negatively affect your account. We support and encourage responsible gaming. You can continue to play responsibly with limits in place.

Contact Us

If you have questions about responsible gaming or need assistance:

Customer Support

1-866-765-2747

Available 24/7
Email

[email protected]

Response within 24 hours
Live Chat

Available on our website

Instant support 24/7