Responsible Gambling
On this page
Help is available right now
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, support is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
ConnexOntario
Call 1-866-531-2600
Text CONNEX to 247247
connexontario.ca
Live chat and email are available on their website. Support is offered in more than 170 languages.
Our commitment
The ARCH 50/50 raises funds for hospice care in the Algoma region. We want playing to stay what it should be: an enjoyable way to support your community.
We are committed to:
- Selling tickets only to people 18 years of age or older
- Selling tickets only to people located in Ontario
- Describing prizes and chances of winning accurately, and never overstating the likelihood of winning
- Never marketing in a way designed to appeal to people under 18
- Displaying support resources on every page of this site
- Making our Rules of Play, as approved by the AGCO, available to everyone before they buy
You must be 18 or older
It is against the law for anyone under 18 years of age to purchase a raffle ticket in Ontario. We verify age at the point of purchase, and a ticket purchased by someone under 18 is void.
What this raffle is — and what it is not
The ARCH 50/50 is a game of chance. It is entertainment, and it is a way to support hospice care. It is not a source of income and it is not a way to solve financial problems.
A few things worth knowing:
- The winner is drawn at random. Nothing you do changes the outcome of any individual draw.
- Your chance of winning depends on how many raffle numbers are sold in total, which is not known until sales close.
- Buying tickets in more than one draw does not make you "due" for a win. Each draw is independent.
- Only spend money you can afford to lose. Never borrow money to buy tickets.
Signs that gambling may be becoming a problem
Gambling may be causing harm if you or someone you know:
- Spends more money or time on gambling than intended
- Borrows money, sells belongings or uses money meant for bills to gamble
- Tries to win back losses by gambling more
- Hides gambling, or lies about how much time or money is involved
- Feels anxious, irritable or restless when not gambling
- Neglects work, study, family or friends because of gambling
- Feels guilty or ashamed about gambling
Recognising any of these is not a failure. It is a reason to reach out, and support is available without judgment.
Ways to keep it in control
- Decide how much you will spend before you buy, and stick to it
- Treat the cost of a ticket as the cost of entertainment, not an investment
- Do not gamble to escape stress, boredom or low mood
- Take breaks, and do not let gambling replace other activities
- Talk to someone you trust if you are worried
Where to get support
ConnexOntario — free, confidential, 24/7
1-866-531-2600 · Text CONNEX to 247247 · connexontario.ca
Information and referral to gambling, mental health and substance use services across Ontario.
Responsible Gambling Council
responsiblegambling.org
An independent Ontario non-profit providing prevention information and resources.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Toronto: 416-535-8501 · Toll-free: 1-800-463-2338 · camh.ca
Gamblers Anonymous — Ontario
1-855-222-5542 · gatoronto.ca
Peer support meetings in person, by phone and online.
Gam-Anon — support for family and friends
gam-anon.org
211 Ontario — dial 211 · 211ontario.ca
Free information and referral to community and social services.
For family and friends
Gambling harm affects more than the person gambling. If you are worried about someone else, you do not have to wait for them to ask for help. ConnexOntario and Gam-Anon both support families directly, and both are free.
Questions about this raffle
ARCH — Algoma Residential Community Hospice
229 Fourth Line West, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Phone: (705) 942-1556 ext. 237 · Email: 5050@archhospice.ca
AGCO Lottery Licence #RAF1553954