Key points:
- The lottery has released messaging that discourages underage ticket sales and gifting
- Selling lottery tickets to patrons who are under 18 in Maryland is against the law
The Maryland Lottery has joined a group of lotteries around the US in support of the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Gift Responsibly Campaign.
As part of its message to encourage responsible gifting, the lottery said in a statement, “The Maryland Lottery strongly encourages responsible play, and at this time of year it’s especially important to remember that Lottery tickets should never be given to anyone under the age of 18.”
As part of its efforts to discourage underage lottery ticket access, the state lottery is in the process of posting signage with language that ticket sales are available for those who are 18 and older.
Maryland Lottery Gaming Director John Martin commented, “We’re very careful about reviewing the games we launch and the images we use in our marketing efforts to make sure we aren’t appealing to children.
Good to know: It is illegal to sell lottery tickets to underage patrons in Maryland
“Lottery tickets are a great gift idea for adults, but a lot of people may not know about the documented impact that exposure to gambling can have on children.”
Furthermore, the lottery is also encouraging parent not to buy tickets for their underage children.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming Responsible Gaming Director Jasmine Countess said, “Although it may not seem significant on the surface, giving Lottery tickets to minors can actually increase their risk for developing a gambling problem later in life.
“Adults should not encourage or facilitate underage gambling and should remember that Lottery tickets are not the right gift for kids.”
