Responsible Gift Giving During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation reminds parents to keep age in mind when giving lottery products as gifts.

"While lottery and Scratch 'N Win tickets are fun stocking stuffers for adults, they are forms of gambling and not appropriate for minors," said Bob MacKinnon, corporation president and CEO. "By increasing awareness about the impact of gifting lottery tickets to minors, we can all play a role in preventing underage gambling."

Recent studies at the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviours at McGill University show a growing number of high school students reportedly receive one or more lottery tickets as gifts. Research also shows that some problem gamblers started gambling at an early age.

Parents and caregivers are influential role models for their children and Mr. MacKinnon urges people to help prevent youth from gambling before they reach the age of majority.

"It is important for adults to send a strong message to kids," said Mr. MacKinnon. "No matter what the season, minors should not take part in any gambling activity."

The corporation and its ticket lottery operator, Atlantic Lottery, continue to take measures to ensure adults and youth understand this responsibility by including age of majority messaging on ticket lottery products, and by confirming ticket lottery retailers are committed to enforcing the 19+ laws.

To continue raising awareness, the corporation is again participating in McGill University's Holiday Campaign to remind people they can keep the fun in the holidays by gifting lottery tickets responsibly to adults.