Washington’s Lottery provides entertainment through a variety of games that support contributions to the state of Washington at the same time.
We hope that all players can enjoy our games, but we know that for some, gambling can become an issue. For those players, and for everyone, we want to provide tips, resources, and tools for staying safe and getting help when it’s needed.
Dos and Don'ts
Do
- Have fun
- Budget money spent as entertainment
- Set a dollar and time limit
Don't
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Gambling to cover losses
- Gambling money budgeted for bills
Gambling myths
The best way to keep gambling fun is to understand how it works. There are a lot of myths about gambling out there, and misinformation can take the fun out of playing our games. Know the truth and stay informed to make healthy gambling choices.
Budget Your Play
Budgeting isn’t only for monthly bills and necessary expenses—you can (and should) budget for entertainment: movie nights, books or magazines, events, and, yes, lottery tickets. Setting aside money for the fun stuff helps.
Problem Gambling
If you or someone you know has a problem with setting responsible limits on gambling, the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling toll-free helpline (below) provides problem gambling information and referrals to treatment providers in Washington. Individuals seeking treatment are encouraged to call the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling for a referral to a participating treatment provider in their area.
Washington State Problem Gambling Program
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling
Is gambling having a negative impact on your finances or well-being? Washington’s Lottery has a voluntary, confidential self-exclusion program for people who want to take a break from playing.
For more information, click here.