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You’ve opened the playbook, made your game plan, but it still doesn’t seem fun? It might be time to check your blind side. Below you’ll find more information on when and how to call a time-out for you or a loved one.

Cover Your Bases

Before you get in the game, make sure you’re prepared. Cover your bases to reduce the chances of getting in over your head.
  • The lottery is all about having fun, not a way to make money.
  • Not feeling yourself? It might be a sign to hit the bench and take a breather.
  • Keep track of your wins and losses.
  • Don’t go chasing losses.
  • Don’t borrow money to play.
  • A ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ number doesn’t mean it’s due to hit. Why? It’s all random.
  • Ask for help if you need it.

Be a Good Teammate

Teamwork really does make the dream work.

If you know of a friend or family member that might have a problem, the best thing you can do is speak up. Your words and actions make a difference. If you do not know where to start, that’s completely normal. The good news is that there are plenty of resources available to help.

A good place to start is by calling, texting, or chatting with a trained, licensed clinician. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Talk: 877-718-5543, Text: morethanagamenc to 53342, Online Chat: morethanagamenc.com.

If you’re going to have the initial conversation with a friend or family member, it can be hard. Here are some tips to help.

  • Understand the problem.
  • Look for support.
  • Encourage them to seek help.
  • Support their efforts.

Remember, you’re being a good friend by reaching out.

Take the Quiz

What does a potential gambling problem look like?

Not all people who gamble have a problem, but sometimes it’s hard to determine if you do. To help, answer the following 10 questions below.

  1. Have there ever been periods lasting 2 weeks or longer when you spent a lot of time thinking about your gambling experiences, planning out future gambling ventures or bets, or thinking about ways of getting money to gamble with?
    No   Yes
  2. Have there ever been periods when you needed to gamble with increasing amounts of money or with larger bets than before in order to get the same feeling or excitement?
    No   Yes
  3. Have you ever felt restless or irritable when trying to stop, cut down, or control your gambling?
    No   Yes
  4. Have you ever tried and not succeeded in stopping, cutting down, or controlling your gambling 3 or more times in your life?
    No   Yes
  5. Have you ever gambled to escape from personal problems, to relieve uncomfortable feelings, such as guilt, anxiety, helplessness, or depression?
    No   Yes
  6. Has there ever been a period, if you lose gambling money one day, you would often return another to get even?
    No   Yes
  7. Have you lied to family members, friends, or others about how much you gamble, and/or about how much you lost on gambling, on at least 3 occasions?
    No   Yes
  8. Have you written a bad check or taken money that didn’t belong to you from family members, friends, or anyone else in order to pay for your gambling?
    No   Yes
  9. Has gambling ever caused serious or repeated problems in your relationships with any of your family member or friends? Or has your gambling ever caused you problems at work or at school?
    No   Yes
  10. Have you ever needed to ask family members, friends, a lending institution, or any one else to loan you money or otherwise bail you out of a desperate money situation that has been largely caused by your gambling?
    No   Yes

No longer just a game?

If you think your play has become a problem, there is hope. Free confidential help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Talk, text or chat with a trained, licensed clinician that can provide free counseling services.

Call 877-718-5543
Text "morethanagamenc" to 53342
Chat morethanagame.nc.gov

MUST BE 18 TO PLAY. Odds to win a prize and the top prize vary based on the game or promotion. See game or promotion pages for more detail. Problem Gambling Helpline 877-718-5543.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the winning numbers posted on this website are accurate; however, no valid claim may be based on information contained herein. In the event of a discrepancy between the numbers posted on this website and the official winning numbers, the official winning numbers as certified by the Multi-State Lottery Association and/or the NCEL shall control. All materials on this Website are owned by or licensed to the NCEL. Materials on this Website may not be modified in any way or reproduced or publicly displayed, performed or distributed or otherwise used for any public or commercial purpose without the express written consent of the NCEL. Copyright © 2006-2022. The North Carolina Education Lottery. All rights reserved. Play Smart™ term is a service mark of the Illinois Lottery licensed to the NCEL.

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