Responsible gambling

Lotteries.com publishes results, statistics and guides, and links to a lottery reseller. Playing the lottery should be entertainment you can afford — never a way to make money or pay debts. You must be 18 or over to play, and older where local law says so.

Stay in control

Set a budget for each week or month before you play, and stop when it is spent.
Only spend money you would otherwise spend on entertainment.
Never chase losses by buying more tickets to “win it back”.
Every draw is random. Hot, cold and overdue numbers describe the past; they don’t change the odds of the next draw.
Take breaks, and don’t play when you are upset, stressed or have been drinking.
Online accounts at licensed sellers let you set deposit limits, take a break or exclude yourself — use them.

Signs it may be a problem

Spending more than you planned, or more than you can afford.
Borrowing money, or skipping bills, to play.
Hiding how much you play from family or friends.
Feeling anxious, low or irritable when you can’t play.

Free, confidential help

South Africa: National Responsible Gambling Programme — Free 24-hour helpline 0800 006 008, or WhatsApp “HELP” to 076 675 0710.
United Kingdom: National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) — Free 24-hour helpline 0808 8020 133, or live chat on the GamCare website.
Ireland: Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland — The regulator’s list of free, confidential support services in Ireland.
Anywhere: Gamblers Anonymous — Free peer-support meetings in many countries, in person and online.

Protecting children

Lottery play is for adults only. If children use your device, keep your lottery accounts logged out and consider parental-control software to block gambling sites.