SC Gambling Helpline 1-877-452-5155
The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling.
Responsible play is very important to the South Carolina Education Lottery. The General Assembly appropriates lottery funds to provide the resources necessary to get help for or prevent future gambling problems. On this site you will find information on playing responsibly and problem gambling treatment resources.
If you or someone you know has a problem, help is available. Treatment is confidential, but more importantly, it is effective. South Carolina provides comprehensive treatment through a network of 46 county offices throughout the state that provide specialized services for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
Take the first step, call the S.C. Gambling Helpline toll-free at 1-877-452-5155.
The S.C. Gambling Helpline is managed by the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS). You will speak directly with a trained counselor who will arrange an individualized assessment and treatment plan for you or simply answer questions if you are a concerned friend or family member. For assistance in other states, please call the National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline toll-free: 1-800-522-4700.
Responsible Guidelines for Gambling:
- Play only for fun. When the fun stops, you stop.
- Think of the money spent as the cost of your entertainment. Think of winning as a bonus.
- Set a dollar limit and stick to it. Decide what you can afford to spend. Don’t change your mind after losing.
- Set a time limit and stick to it.
- Expect to lose; odds are that you will lose.
- Don’t borrow money to play or play on credit.
- Create balance in your life. Don’t let playing interfere with friends, family or work.
- Don’t play to win back losses. The more you try to recoup losses, the more you will lose.
- Don’t play as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain. Playing for reasons other than for fun can lead to problems.
- Know the warning signs of problem gambling. The more educated you are, the better choices you will make.
To learn more, visit the Problem Gambling Warning Signs webpage.
Disclaimer
Information contained on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment or assistance.
