Responsible Gaming

At Coastal BC Lottery Hub, we believe that lottery games should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and providing our users with the information they need to make informed decisions. This page outlines strategies for safe play, signs of problem gambling, and resources available to residents of British Columbia.

1. Tips for Safer Play

To ensure that your participation in lottery games remains a fun and positive experience, we recommend following these guidelines:

Treat it as entertainment: Consider the money you spend on a ticket as the cost of entertainment, much like a movie ticket or a meal out.
Set a budget: Decide how much you are willing to spend before you start. Stick to this limit regardless of whether you win or lose.
Set a time limit: Don't let gambling take over your leisure time. Set a specific amount of time for play and stop when that time is up.
Never chase losses: Trying to win back lost money usually leads to even bigger losses. Accept the loss and move on.
Don't borrow to play: Never use money that you need for essentials like rent, bills, or food. Never borrow money from friends, family, or lenders to buy tickets.
Balance your life: Ensure that gambling is not your only pastime. Maintain other hobbies and social activities.

2. Myths vs. Facts

Understanding how lottery games actually work is the first step in playing responsibly. Here are some common misconceptions:

MYTH: "I'm due for a win because I haven't won in a long time." FACT: Lottery draws are completely random. Past results have absolutely no influence on future outcomes. Your odds are the same for every single draw, regardless of what happened previously.

MYTH: "Studying the patterns helps me pick winning numbers." FACT: There are no patterns in random chance. Every number has an equal probability of being drawn. "Hot" and "cold" numbers are just a retrospective observation, not a predictive tool.

MYTH: "If I play longer, my luck will change." FACT: Time spent playing does not increase your chances of winning. It only increases the amount of money you spend.

3. Signs of Problem Gambling

It is important to recognize the warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem. Ask yourself the following questions:

Do you spend more money on gambling than you can afford to lose?
Do you lie to family or friends about how much you gamble or cover up your gambling activities?
Do you feel anxious, stressed, or depressed because of your gambling?
Have you tried to stop or cut back on gambling but failed?
Do you borrow money or sell possessions to get money for gambling?
Do you gamble to escape from problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be experiencing harm from gambling. It is important to seek help immediately.

4. Protection of Minors (19+)

In British Columbia, the legal age to participate in lottery games and casino gambling is 19. Coastal BC Lottery Hub strictly enforces this requirement.

We use age verification barriers to prevent minors from accessing our content. We advise parents to use filtering software (such as Net Nanny or CyberSitter) to prevent minors from accessing gambling-related websites on shared devices. Never leave your device unattended while logged into any gambling-related account.

5. Resources in British Columbia

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free and confidential help is available 24/7 in British Columbia.

Gambling Support BC

Confidential, free support and information service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-888-795-6111

Or visit www.gamblingsupportbc.ca

GameSense

GameSense is a program designed by BCLC to help players make informed choices. GameSense Advisors are available at casinos and community gaming centres across BC to answer questions and provide information about how games work and the odds of winning.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion

If you feel you need a break, British Columbia offers a Voluntary Self-Exclusion program. This allows you to exclude yourself from all facilities with slot machines, commercial bingo halls, and online gambling sites (PlayNow.com) for a set period of time (6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years).

Disclaimer: Coastal BC Lottery Hub is an informational portal. We do not operate games of chance. The information on this page is for educational purposes and to provide direction to official support services.