Lottery tickets make bad Christmas gifts for teens, problem gambling expert says
Lottery tickets are a terrible gift for those who are not old enough to legally participate in the game, as they may lead these young people to early exposure to gambling and the development of gambling problems later in life. That's according to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
With the holidays approaching, the Giving Season is well underway. The NCPG states that the earlier a person is exposed to gambling in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem or disorder later in life. Responsible gambling experts say childhood exposure to gambling is most commonly through lottery products, such as holiday-themed scratch-off tickets, purchased by adults who are unaware of the risks involved.
Problem gambling treatment providers say many adults seeking treatment tend to report gambling problems at a younger age. NCPG’s mission is to “minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction.”
NCPG partners with 66 lotteries and 84 community organizations from around the world to launch the 2023 Gift Responsibility Campaign. This advisory is intended to draw attention to the risks of children purchasing lottery tickets.
TOYS, NOT GAMES OF CHANCE
NCPG officials encourage adults to buy more traditional gifts, such as toys, for the children in their lives.
As we uphold the spirit of giving during the festive season, it is important to recognize that lotteries are not appropriate gifts for children or young people,” said NCPG CEO Keith Whyte.
The NCPG estimates that 2 million adults in the United States (approximately 1% of the population) meet the criteria for serious gamblers. Another 2-3% of people are considered to have mild or moderate Gaming Disorder.
NCPG estimates that problem gambling costs American society $7 billion annually. The nonprofit neither supports nor opposes gambling and says the "vast majority of children" gamble before their 18th birthday.
It is believed the problem will escalate as sports betting expands legally across the country. The NCPG estimates that 10-14% of young people are at risk of developing a gambling problem and 4-6% already have a gambling problem.
National Lottery issues public service announcement
As the NCPG launches a national campaign about the dangers of young people buying lottery tickets, state lottery and gambling regulators have released parallel messages.
Brian O'Dwyer, chairman of the New York Gaming Commission, said: "Often, children's first exposure to gambling is from well-intentioned adults who give them lottery tickets, and they may not realize the risks involved. ." "We encourage age-appropriate gift giving this holiday season and throughout the year."
Lottery gifts for adults can be great gifts, especially as Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots continue to grow. The Powerball jackpot for Monday night's drawing is estimated at $412 million. The Mega Millions jackpot in Tuesday night's drawing is $377 million.
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Source: www.casino.org
