DO YOU KNOW
YOUR LIMITS?
KEEP PLAY FUN ↓KNOW WHEN THERE'S A PROBLEM ↓FIND PROBLEM GAMBLING HELP ↓
Problem Gambling Helpline: Text or Call: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
It’s important to keep play fun and know our limits when gambling.
As Coloradans, we set limits for our play all the time to make sure we can keep the fun going. We consider the risks of our activities, and we learn to set limits, boundaries, and rules for ourselves to make sure we keep it fun and safe. The same goes for playing the Lottery. Use the information here to help you play responsibly.
Maximize the ways to keep your gambling a happy, positive experience.
Test your knowledge on some common misconceptions about gambling.
Know How to Keep Play Fun
As Coloradans we love to play, but it’s important to know our limits. In order to keep our favorite games fun, here are some tips for healthy play.
- Set a dollar limit & stick to it.
- Balance gambling with other fun activities.
- Play for fun and entertainment, not for money.
- Take a break from playing every now and again.
- Treat winning as a bonus.
- Know how the games work and your odds of winning.
- Never chase your losses.
- Don’t play when you are upset or depressed.
- Never gamble with money needed for expenses.
- Don't gamble on credit, borrow to play, or gamble illegally.
- If you’re unsure whether you’re overstepping your limits, ask for help.
- To learn more about how lottery games work, different gambling myths, and tips on how to keep the game fun, visit:
GAMESENSE
You can find information on how the games work, learn about different gambling myths, explore tips on how to keep the game fun, and much more, at:
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Know When There’s a Problem
Problem gambling is defined as any time gambling causes problems in someone’s life. It’s not necessarily about how much or how often someone plays, but more about how gambling impacts them and their loved ones. Gambling problems can come in all different shapes and sizes, and can happen to anyone. It’s important to know it’s okay to take a break sometimes. Here are some warning signs that play may not be as fun as it once was:
- Preoccupation:
If someone is consistently or frequently thinking about gambling. - Tolerance:
If someone feels the need to gamble more often or with more money to feel that original “rush” when playing. - Withdrawal:
If someone tries to slow down or stop gambling, they start to feel restless or irritable. - Escape:
If someone is using gambling to improve their mood when they are feeling sad, angry, or other feelings of distress to escape from their problems. - Chasing:
If someone tries to “chase” winnings in order to pay off gambling losses. - Lying:
If someone hides how much time and money is spent gambling by lying to family, friends and therapists. - Stealing:
If someone steals in order to continue gambling. - Loss of Control:
If someone is unable to control, reduce or stop gambling. - Illegal Acts:
If someone engages in activities such as theft, embezzlement, fraud, forgery or writing bad checks in order to get gambling money or to recover from gaming losses. - Risking Relationships:
If someone jeopardizes relationships with loved ones, employment, and other associations in favor of gambling. - Bailout:
If someone looks to others for financial assistance, such as borrowing money, to bail them out of their gaming losses.
Lottery Games Aren't Child's Play
Lottery games aren't child's play. Studies have shown that exposure to gambling at a young age leads to higher rates of problem gambling later in life. Though Lottery tickets make great presents, they should never be gifted to anyone under 18.
Help and hope are available.
It is okay to reach out for help.
You are not alone.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a gambling problem, we encourage you to seek help now by contacting one of the organizations below.
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National Council on Problem Gambling
Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) anytime for free, confidential help. This national helpline connects you to support, treatment, and resources in your area.
NCPG is the national advocate for programs and services to assist people, families and communities affected by problem gambling.
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Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado
The statewide resource for education, awareness, and advocacy. PGCC connects people with local training, events, and treatment options.
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Kindbridge
Colorado-based telehealth support for people affected by gambling. Offers therapy, peer groups, and coaching, with specific services for military families.
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Evive
Evidence-based tools to manage, reduce, or reflect on your play. Get 3 free months with code: COLOTT.
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Gamblers Anonymous
A 12-step recovery fellowship for people who want to stop gambling. Meetings are free and available in-person, online, and by phone.
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Gam-Anon
Support groups for loved ones affected by someone else’s gambling. Find understanding, strength, and hope through shared experience.
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Debtors Anonymous
DA offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering in their lives and the lives of others.
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BetBlocker
Free self-exclusion software that blocks gambling sites on phones, tablets, and computers. No registration or personal info required.
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GamTalk
An online peer support community for those impacted by gambling. Share your story, ask questions, and connect anonymously.
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Birches Health
Clinician-led services for sports betting, online gambling, and habit-building. Get confidential support through personalized care.
The Colorado Lottery’s Commitment to Players
The Colorado Lottery and its employees continue to honor their pledge to make responsible gaming an integral part of how we conduct our business. As part of this commitment, in 2018 we joined the World Lottery Association (WLA) and adopted their Responsible Gaming Framework -- an internationally recognized set of industry best practices for responsible gaming. We are proud to be one of just a handful of U.S. lotteries awarded Level 4 Responsible Gaming Certification by the WLA, the organization's highest level of accreditation and the industry gold standard. Since then, the Lottery remains proactive with safeguards, following best practice, and innovation to keep players safe.
- Working with Stakeholders: The Lottery facilitated a gathering of the major responsible and problem gambling service providers in Colorado to increase collaboration and strengthen services. We believe we are better together! Included in this gathering are PGCC, Kindbridge, the Division on Gaming, and the Behavioral Health Administration. The Problem Gambling Coalition and Center of Colorado (PGCC) brings together a diverse group of stakeholders with the common mission to increase awareness, advocate treatment, and promote research and education on problem gambling in Colorado. The Lottery played an instrumental role in forming this coalition in 2002, and has remained a key partner ever since. One of PGCC’s most critical functions is funding Colorado’s 24-hour problem gambling helpline. Callers can speak toll-free to live, trained counselors, who are able to help those struggling with gambling addiction get connected to the treatment they need.
Kindbridge Behavioral Health provides problem gambling therapy from licensed therapists specializing in problem gambling. Kindbridge is a telehealth company comprised of the top minds in clinical counseling within the United States and beyond. We bring together mental health services, clinical research, and technology to deliver comprehensive care for behavioral addictions. - Lottery Advertising and Marketing: The Lottery takes particular care to ensure the messaging in our marketing and advertising promotes responsible play. To uphold this commitment, we created the Marketing Code of Conduct that all relevant Lottery employees and vendors must follow. The Code of Conduct highlights five ethical values that need to be taken into consideration for all Lottery advertising: honesty, responsibility, fairness, respect, and transparency. Each new advertising campaign must complete a compliance checklist that confirms these principles are being adhered to. Our advertising is never placed in media outlets that are specifically oriented towards minors and we never feature anyone who is or appears to be below the legal age to participate in Lottery games. Specific “Keep Play Fun” campaigns are run throughout the year to encourage consumers to learn more about responsible play and available resources. All Lottery products also include a “Play Responsibly” message, along with the 24-hour problem gambling helpline number.
- Supporting Lottery Retailers: Lottery retailers have the most direct contact with our players and play a crucial role in helping us achieve our responsible gaming goals. Every retail location has our “Know Your Limits” brochure available with responsible gaming tips and problem gambling treatment resources. All new Lottery retailers receive mandatory training on recognizing the signs of problem gambling, and tactics on how to address the issue. Our sales representatives also conduct annual refresher training throughout the year to keep retailers current with the latest techniques. We provide our retail distribution network with the educational tools and resources that help them protect their customers.