Problem Gambling

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the toll-free Gambling Helpline at 1-888-781-HELP.

In addition to including play responsibly messages in communication with the public, the Lottery also provides resources to help problem gamblers.

• Each year, the Lottery provides up to $214,000 to the South Dakota Department of Human Services to pay for gambling treatment services.  Through the end of FY06, the Lottery has provided more than $1.9 million to pay for gambling treatment services.
• The Lottery produces a problem gambling brochure available at Lottery retailers.
• The Lottery includes the toll-free problem gambling HELPline number on:
  • Scratch and lotto tickets;
  • Video lottery machines;
  • Point of sale materials, such as brochures and playslips; and
  • This website.

Know the warning signs of problem gambling.
(Adapted from American Psychiatric Association DSM-IV)

• A preoccupation or uncontrollable urge to gamble.
• Increasing bets to sustain a thrill.
• Agitation when attempting to cut back.
• Lying to conceal gambling activity.
• Financing bets through illegal activity.
• Chasing one's losses.
• Gambling as an escape.
• Jeopardizing significant relationships.
• Relying on a financial bailout.
• Failing in an effort to control or stop betting.

Twenty Questions from Gambler’s Anonymous.

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

 Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions.

 If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the toll-free Gambling Helpline at 1-888-781-HELP.