Ohio groups warn against gambling-themed gifts for kids this holiday season
Two Ohio-based organisations have teamed up to highlight the dangers of gambling-related gifts for children. The Youth Gambling Prevention Gift Guide, released by Change The Game Ohio and Ohio for Responsible Gambling, warns that common presents may encourage risky habits. With children in the state spending up to 7.5 hours daily on screens, concerns about early exposure to gambling-like features are growing. The guide explains how gifts such as video game gift cards, scratch-off lottery tickets, and certain gaming apps can introduce children to gambling behaviours. These items often contain hidden hazards, including loot boxes and in-game purchases that mimic betting. Research shows that exposure to such features before age 12 raises the risk of future gambling problems.
Early contact with gambling-like activities has also been linked to higher rates of underage drinking, bullying, and anxiety. The organisations stress that no U.S. state has yet introduced specific preventive measures for children, though New York has taken legal action against companies like Valve over loot boxes targeting minors. To help adults make safer choices, the guide lists responsible alternatives. These include subscription services, games with clear upfront costs, and traditional physical board games. The aim is to reduce children's exposure to gambling mechanics while still offering engaging entertainment.
The Youth Gambling Prevention Gift Guide provides tools for identifying risky features in games and apps. It also suggests safer gift options to limit children's exposure to gambling-like behaviours. The organisations hope the guide will encourage more informed decisions during gift-giving.
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