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Campaign Warns Against Giving Lottery Tickets to Children as Gifts

Lottery tickets may seem harmless, but experts warn they can spark dangerous habits in kids. Discover why responsible games matter this holiday season.

The image shows a group of children playing a game of pegs in a room with a wall, pillars, trees,...
The image shows a group of children playing a game of pegs in a room with a wall, pillars, trees, and a sky with clouds in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text that reads "Boys Playing at Peg Top".

Campaign Warns Against Giving Lottery Tickets to Children as Gifts

A campaign called Gift Responsibly is urging people to avoid giving lottery tickets to children. The initiative highlights the risks of youth gambling and promotes safer alternatives. Experts and industry leaders have joined forces to spread this message.

The Gift Responsibly campaign, backed by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), warns against lottery products as gifts for minors. Keith Whyte, the NCPG's executive director, has stressed that such presents are never suitable for young people. His comments come as part of a wider push to educate families on responsible gaming.

Scientific Games, a major lottery provider, has supported the campaign for five years in a row. Carla Schaefer, the company's vice president of responsible gaming, reinforced the importance of keeping lottery games away from underage players. She also highlighted the need for better awareness around gambling risks.

To aid this effort, Scientific Games offers Healthy Play, a programme providing tools for lottery literacy. The initiative includes a guide to help parents and retailers understand age-appropriate gaming. The company's ongoing commitment has earned praise from Whyte, who commended its role in promoting safer habits.

The campaign continues to push for greater awareness of youth gambling dangers. Lottery operators and advocacy groups are working together to discourage underage play. Their efforts focus on education and responsible gift-giving during holidays and special occasions.

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