The US National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the risks of giving lottery products to children and young people.

Now in its sixth year, the 2023 Gift Responsibly campaign focuses on gift-giving during the holidays. It emphasizes how exposure to gambling in childhood can lead to someone developing a gambling problem later in life.

Some 66 lotteries and 84 community organizations around the world have declared their support for the campaign. Supporters include all eligible US and Canadian lotteries such as the New Jersey Lottery, Colorado Lottery and Pennsylvania Lottery.

International lotteries and non-lottery organizations supporting the project include Lotto New Zealand and the National Lottery of Croatia.

All participating organizations will run a series of initiatives in November and December to promote the campaign. Topics include educating communities about the dangers of giving lottery tickets to children and promoting responsible gambling for adult players who choose to gamble.

The campaign offers a phased approach to lotteries with increasing participation. Supporter activities include public announcements, social media messaging, digital advertising, in-store signage and retailer training.

NCPG: Lottery products are not appropriate gifts for children

NCPG chief executive Keith Whyte praised the outpouring of support for this year’s campaign. He said it was important to recognize that lottery tickets were not appropriate gifts for children or young people.

“The Gift Responsibly campaign is one of the largest international responsible gambling awareness campaigns and underlines our shared commitment to protecting youth and promoting responsible gambling practices worldwide,” said Whyte.

Jeffrey Derevensky, director of the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors, also spoke about the importance of the campaign.

“With the growing social acceptance and opportunities that gambling provides internationally, it is important to remember that young people can also suffer from gambling-related problems,” said Derevensky.

“The Gift Responsibly campaign is a great reminder for adults not to give lottery tickets to minors.”