NC Lottery Launches ‘Play Smart’ Program to Educate Players

  • Players are taught how lottery games work and the importance of setting a budget
  • Resources are provided via the program to ensure responsible gameplay
  • Play Smart builds on the state lottery's overall responsible gaming initiative
map of North Carolina
The North Carolina Education Lottery has become the first US lottery to introduce a player-focused responsible gaming and prevention program. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Likened to a lottery coach

The North Carolina Education Lottery has launched its new ‘Play Smart’ program. Designed to encourage responsible play, the program acts as a lottery coach, helping players understand how odds and probability work.

Play Smart includes videos that promote responsible gaming. A television advertising campaign is also taking place this month on the subject of gambling responsibly. It will be followed by another new campaign in March, which is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

the program acts as a lottery coach, helping players understand how odds and probability work

The North Carolina Lottery has also included information about Play Smart at retail locations across the state. The lottery will be adding to the program over time, with more tips and tools being provided for players.

Player-focused program

Play Smart is a player-focused program offering information on gaming responsibility as well as prevention measures. The program provides players with information on how the odds and probability work within lottery games. The program also debunks popular lottery myths.

The Play Smart program offers tips and tools on how to set up a budget when it comes to lottery gaming. The lottery encourages players to set time and spending limits for responsible play.

A quiz with 10 questions is also available on the lottery’s website, designed to help players determine how their gaming habits can impact daily life.

According to Mark Michalko, executive director of the North Carolina Education Lottery, players who play the lottery responsibly do not develop a problem. To ensure responsible gameplay, a program was needed that provides resources and tools so that players can make smart decisions before buying lottery tickets.

Michalko said the program also encourages players to adopt certain behaviors that can reduce the risk of developing a gambling problem.

Responsible gaming and prevention

The Play Smart program is a new addition to the lottery’s overall responsible gaming program. According to Michalko, the program builds on the existing responsible gaming initiative.

$1 million yearly contribution by the lottery to the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program

The overall program already provides resources for players who need help with a gambling problem. This includes free treatment options. The resources are offered via the $1 million yearly contribution by the lottery to the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program.

Michalko said: “We want our players to be more informed when they choose to play our games. We believe that the more players know about how our games work, the more fun they will have playing responsibly.”

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