Responsible Play & Support Resources
Maple Draw encourages a careful, balanced approach to any form of lottery or number draw participation. This page provides neutral information on responsible play, potential signs of harm, and where to seek support if you are concerned about gambling-related behaviour.
1. Responsible Play Principles
Responsible play is about staying in control and treating number draw games as a form of optional entertainment, not as a way to solve financial difficulties or create income. Key principles include:
- Only participate with money you can comfortably afford to lose.
- Keep lottery and draw games as a small, non-essential part of your leisure activities.
- Never rely on games of chance to manage debts or financial pressure.
- Be honest with yourself and others about how often you play and how much you spend.
2. Setting Limits
Setting clear limits in advance is one of the most effective ways to support responsible play. Before you participate in any number draw game, consider the following steps:
Time limits
Decide how much time you want to spend thinking about or engaging with draw games, and stick to that limit. Avoid checking results or planning entries excessively throughout the day.
Spending limits
Set a strict monetary limit for how much you are willing to spend over a given period (for example, per month). Treat this as a maximum that cannot be exceeded, regardless of wins or losses.
Cooling-off periods
Take regular breaks from any kind of gambling activity. If you notice that you are thinking about lottery or draw games more than you would like, consider a longer pause to reset your habits.
3. Warning Signs to Watch For
Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. The presence of one sign does not necessarily mean there is a problem, but recognising patterns early can help you take action sooner. Warning signs may include:
- Spending more money or time on draw games than you originally planned.
- Chasing previous losses or trying to "win back" money that has already been spent.
- Feeling stressed, anxious, or guilty after playing.
- Hiding tickets, receipts, or spending from family or friends.
- Allowing draw games to interfere with work, study, or family responsibilities.
- Using gambling as a way to escape from difficulties, loneliness, or negative emotions.
If several of these signs feel familiar, it may be a good time to speak with a professional support service or a trusted advisor.
4. Supporting Someone Else
If you are concerned about the play habits of a friend or family member, it can be helpful to:
- Approach the topic calmly and without accusations.
- Focus on specific behaviours rather than labels.
- Encourage them to read neutral information about gambling risks and support options.
- Offer to help them contact a professional support service if they are open to it.
It can also be useful for you to seek advice or support separately, even if the person you are worried about is not yet ready to make changes.
5. Support and Help Resources
If you are in Canada and are concerned about gambling-related behaviour — whether your own or someone else's — there are organizations that provide confidential, non-judgmental information, tools, and support. Availability may vary by province or territory.
Provincial resources
Loto-Québec — Responsible Gaming
Information and tools for players in Québec. Website:
loteries.lotoquebec.com
aidejeu.ca
Support service offering information and assistance related to gambling in Québec.
Website: aidejeu.ca/en/
International information services
GambleAware (UK)
Independent charity offering tools, guidance, and support. Website:
gambleaware.org
Gamblers Help (Australia)
Australian network providing information, counselling, and support. Website:
gamblershelp.com.au
General guidance
Many provinces and territories in Canada maintain their own responsible gambling services, including helplines and online chat. Visit your provincial government or health authority website and search for “gambling help” or “responsible gambling”.
In urgent situations, or if you are worried about immediate harm, contact your local emergency number or a crisis support hotline.
6. Our Role
Maple Draw is not a counselling service and cannot provide clinical advice. Our role is limited to offering neutral educational information about draw games and directing visitors to recognized support providers.
7. Commitment to Responsible Communication
The editorial approach of Maple Draw is to use balanced, non-promotional language when describing lottery-style products and to highlight potential risks alongside basic mechanics. We aim to avoid language that frames gambling as a solution to financial or personal difficulties.
If you believe that any part of the site could be improved from a responsible play perspective, you are welcome to contact the administrator with your feedback.