Gambling Advocates Warn Against Giving Lottery Tickets to Minors During Holidays
Responsible gaming advocates are warning against giving lottery tickets as holiday gifts to minors, with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) leading its seventh annual Gift Responsibly Campaign.
Christmas stockings with lottery tickets
The 2024 campaign has achieved record participation, with 100% of eligible US and Canadian lotteries joining the initiative. The program now includes 74 lotteries and 101 community organizations worldwide.
NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte emphasizes that while communities and legal gambling ages may vary, the message remains consistent: lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for children or teens.
The campaign features:
- Public service announcements
- Social media messaging
- Digital advertising
- In-store signage
- Retailer training
This initiative comes at a significant time for the lottery industry, which saw record sales of $113.4 billion last year, generating approximately $37 billion in revenue after payouts—a 32% increase from 2022.
While the holiday season typically brings special themed games and increased advertising from state lotteries, the NCPG's campaign serves as an important reminder about responsible gaming practices. Many state lotteries, including California (the nation's third-largest with $9.2 billion in sales), are balancing promotional activities with responsible gaming messages, emphasizing that scratch-off tickets are not toys and should not be given to minors.