Parents Reminded Not to Buy Lottery for Children for Gifts

As the holiday season quickly approaches, many people are buying lottery and scratch tickets as fun stocking stuffers and gifts.

While these are great choices for adults, they are not appropriate for minors. The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) is promoting a responsible gambling message this holiday season by urging parents not to purchase lottery products for minors.

"It's important that we send a strong message to parents that while lottery and scratch and win tickets might seem like fun gifts, it is a form of gambling," said Bob MacKinnon, acting president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation. "Playing the lottery at a young age can increase the potential for problem gambling later in life, and no matter what the season, minors should not be participating in any gambling activities."

Results from a recent study showed that 19 per cent of high school students reportedly received one or more lottery tickets or scratch cards as gifts, and 86 per cent of them came from a family member. This, coupled with the growing concern about adolescent problem gambling, prompted the National Council on Problem Gambling, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University, and NSGC to work together to increase public awareness about the impact of lottery gifts for minors.

"We know that there are risk factors for gambling problems, one of them being gambling at an early age," said Keith Whyte, executive director, National Council on Problem Gambling. "We are encouraging adults to simply reduce risk factors for the children in their lives."

NSGC and its ticket lottery operator, Atlantic Lottery, continue to take measures to ensure adults and kids understand. Age of majority messaging is on lottery tickets retail outlets, and sellers are committed to ensuring the 19+ laws are enforced.