Why Lottery Tickets Should Not Be Given to Children as Gifts
Research shows that early exposure to gambling through lottery tickets increases the risk of developing gambling problems later in life. To address this concern, the Gift Responsibly Campaign (formerly Responsible Gambling Holiday Lottery Campaign) was launched in 2003 by the National Council on Problem Gambling and McGill University's International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems.
The campaign discourages adults from giving lottery tickets as gifts to children during holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations. Its recent rebranding allows participating organizations to extend this message beyond just the December holiday season.
"Early exposure to gambling activities through lottery gifts increases the possibility that children will develop a gambling addiction as they grow older," explains NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte.
The 2021 campaign achieved 100% participation from eligible Canadian and U.S. lotteries for the fourth consecutive year, along with international lotteries and organizations. It is endorsed by major lottery associations including the European Lotteries, North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, and the World Lottery Association.
Participating organizations commit to various promotional activities across three levels of engagement:
- Level 3: 13 lotteries including Arkansas, Colorado, and Connecticut
- Level 2: 21 lotteries including Alberta Gaming, Atlantic Lottery, and BCLC
- Level 1: 29 lotteries including Arizona, D.C., and Florida
Additionally, 62 non-lottery organizations participate in the campaign, ranging from addiction treatment centers to prevention programs.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available 24/7:
- Call/Text: 1-800-522-4700
- Chat: www.ncpgambling.org/chat
- All services are free and confidential
[Note: The content has been condensed while maintaining all key information and removing redundancies and promotional language. The focus is on delivering valuable information about the campaign's purpose, scope, and available help resources.]