Recent research has shown that the earlier the participation or exposure to gambling in childhood, the more likely a person is to develop a gambling problem later in life.
In response, 63 lotteries and 53 non-lottery organizations from around the world have joined the 2022 Gift Responsibly Campaign. Participants of the campaign work to raise awareness about the risks of buying lottery tickets for children. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.
During November and December, participating organizations will work to educate communities about the dangers of buying lottery tickets for children, raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling, and support responsible gambling practices. The campaign offers several levels of engagement for lotteries, with higher levels of participation indicating additional campaign activity commitments. These activities may include TV and radio public service announcements, social media messaging, digital advertising, in-store signage, or retailer training. Every activity is designed to convey the overarching message: lottery products are not appropriate gifts for underage children.
“Youth problem gambling has emerged as a significant and growing public health issue. We are thrilled to have such support from the lottery community, as well as the non-lottery participants, for the 2022 Gift Responsibly Campaign as we work to minimize gambling-related harm,” NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte said.
For the fifth year in a row, 100% of eligible U.S. and Canadian lotteries, along with numerous international lotteries and non-lottery organizations have joined the campaign to promote responsible gambling. The campaign is endorsed by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and the European Lotteries (EL).
“The Gift Responsibly Campaign is a great way to promote responsible gambling by encouraging adults to only gift lottery tickets to other adults,” Jeffrey Derevensky, Director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors, said.
