Give Responsibly: Lottery Groups Unite to Combat Underage Gambling During the Holidays

Sixty-six global lottery groups have united for a festive initiative in the U.S. Their objective is to increase knowledge about the dangers of gambling by minors. Research has indicated a connection between early encounters with gambling, even just witnessing it as a child, and a greater likelihood of developing gambling issues as adults.

This is what makes this year’s “Give Responsibly” campaign so vital. These groups, in collaboration with 84 community organizations, are striving to emphasize that lottery tickets are inappropriate for children. They will utilize all available channels, including advertisements, online platforms, and more, to spread the message, particularly during the holiday period when gift-giving is prevalent.

This is not a minor endeavor; it marks the sixth consecutive year of this campaign, led by prominent organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors. They recognize the increasing prevalence of gambling but stress the importance of remembering that even young individuals can become entangled in its risks.

Throughout the United States and Canada, alongside numerous global entities, lottery groups are uniting to spotlight the hazards of gambling among minors. This effort has garnered support from major players, including the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, the World Lottery Association, and the European Lottery Association, all endorsing the initiative. Keith Whyte, leading the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), conveyed appreciation for the widespread backing, stressing the significance of public education, particularly for youth, regarding the potential risks associated with gambling. This campaign comes on the heels of the NCPG’s recent unveiling of a substantial $176,000 grant program designed to address problem gambling nationwide.