Research from the National Council on Problem Gambling shows early childhood lottery experiences "can be a risk factor for gambling problems in later life."
2020 was the third consecutive year in which 100% of Canadian and US lotteries joined the Responsible Gambling Holiday Lottery Campaign.
The campaign was devised by the the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University in Canada.
Initially, it was prompted by reasearch that showed early childhood gambling experience, including those with lottery products, can be a risk factor for problem gambling at a later age.
The campaign has been running since 2002 and has once again raised awareness about the risks of underage lottery play during the winter holiday season this year.
NCPG executive director Keith Whyte said: “The Responsible Gambling Holiday Lottery Campaign educates communities that lottery tickets, the form of gambling with the broadest participation, are not child’s play."
Jeffrey Derevensky, director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors, said: “The Responsible Gambling Holiday Lottery Campaign is a great way to encourage responsible gambling by gifting lottery tickets responsibly only to adults.”
The NCPG is the national advocate for people affected by problem gambling.
As its default stance, the NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and works with all stakeholders to promote responsible gambling.
