A worldwide effort involving 66 lotteries and groups has been launched in the USA. This project highlights research revealing a worrying connection: encountering wagering as a child can raise the chances of experiencing gambling issues as an adult.
Aiming to protect youngsters, these groups, along with 84 community associations, are backing the 2023 “Give Thoughtfully” campaign. This endeavor, led by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University, stresses the concealed risks of presenting lottery scratch-offs to minors, particularly during festive periods. They’re utilizing every method possible – from public awareness announcements and online platforms to shop displays and even clerk education – to emphasize a vital point: lottery tickets are inappropriate for children.
Jeffrey Derevensky, the head of the International Centre, stresses that as wagering becomes progressively normalized and readily available globally, it’s simple to overlook that even young individuals can be susceptible to gambling-related difficulties. “Give Thoughtfully” acts as a well-timed reminder that gifting lottery tickets to minors is a danger we shouldn’t embrace. This year represents the sixth successive year of the campaign…
Numerous lottery groups throughout the United States and Canada, in conjunction with global entities, are uniting behind a fresh endeavor to address gambling among minors. Key stakeholders such as the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, the World Lottery Association, and European Lotteries are all participating. Keith Whyte, director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, conveyed appreciation for the extensive backing, highlighting the significance of increasing knowledge about the dangers youths encounter. This current effort comes after the NCPG’s latest declaration of $176,000 in funding to five charitable organizations confronting problematic gambling nationwide.
