Sixty-six global lottery entities have united for a festive initiative in the U.S. Their objective is to heighten consciousness regarding the dangers of youth gambling, particularly the correlation between early gambling exposure and an increased likelihood of developing gambling issues in adulthood.
This endeavor, titled “Gift Responsibly,” is a collaborative effort between these lottery organizations and 84 community groups. They are especially apprehensive during the holiday period when gifting lottery scratch-offs, even to minors, might appear innocuous. Their message is straightforward: lottery tickets are not appropriate for children.
To disseminate this message, they are employing various strategies, including public service broadcasts, social media updates, digital advertisements, and even in-store signage and retailer education.
This initiative is significant because gambling is becoming increasingly prevalent and accepted globally, and it’s easy to overlook that even young individuals can be impacted by gambling-related harm. This marks the sixth year of the “Gift Responsibly” campaign, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to safeguarding young people.
More than 100 lottery groups throughout the United States and Canada, alongside numerous international lottery entities, have united in a novel endeavor to address underage gambling. This collaborative effort has garnered commendation and formal backing from prominent organizations such as the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, the World Lottery Association, and the European Lotteries. Keith Whyte, the executive director at the National Council on Problem Gambling, conveyed his appreciation, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for all the lotteries and community-based organizations that have joined this initiative. Through collaborative action, we can disseminate information and ensure individuals comprehend the dangers associated with youth gambling.” This development follows closely on the heels of the NCPG’s recent unveiling of a $176,000 grant program intended to bolster five non-profit organizations combating problem gambling nationwide.
