AUSTIN, Texas — If you’re looking for something to buy for the kids this holiday season, the Texas Lottery says there’s one thing that shouldn’t be on your shopping list – lottery tickets.
The Texas Lottery is in its 16th year of participating in the Gift Responsibly campaign, which is led by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.
“As a high-level participant in the Gift Responsibly Campaign, we are deeply committed to our role in promoting responsible gifting and game play, as well as providing resources for those experiencing or affected by problem gambling,” said Ryan Mindell, the Texas Lottery's executive director, in a press release. “From the start, we’ve made it a priority to market and sell lottery products responsibly, making it clear that these games are intended solely for adults aged 18 years and over.”
According to research from NCPG and McGill University, exposure to gambling as a child can lead to higher-risk gambling problems as an adult and oftentimes, a child’s first gambling experience is a lottery ticket from a parent or other adult.
“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director.
Texas Lottery and lottery games are available for adults 18 years and older. It’s something the Texas Lottery said it emphasizes throughout the year, but really hammers home during the holiday season. They said they’ll have information about underage gambling at point-of-sale locations and on social media, among other places.
