The National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, Thursday announced the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign.
Highlighting the risks of purchasing lottery tickets for children, the campaign has international support from 66 lotteries and 84 community organizations.
“As we embrace the spirit of giving during the holiday season, it’s crucial to recognize that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children or teens,” said NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte in a statement. “We applaud the numerous lotteries and community organizations for joining the campaign to amplify this vital message, fostering public awareness and understanding of the potential risks associated with youth gambling. The Gift Responsibly campaign stands out as one of the largest international responsible gambling awareness campaigns, underlining our collective commitment to safeguarding youth and promoting responsible gambling practices worldwide.”
For the sixth year in a row, all eligible U.S. and Canadian lotteries are participating, along with various international lotteries and non-lottery organizations. Through December, participating organizations will educate communities about the dangers of gifting lottery tickets to children, raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling, and promote responsible-gambling practices for people of legal age who choose to gamble.
The campaign features a tiered approach for lotteries and organizations. Participants’ activities can include public-service announcements, social-media messaging, digital advertising, in-store signage, and retailer training.
“With the growing social acceptability and opportunities available for gambling on an international level, it is important to remember that even young people may experience gambling-related problems,” said International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours Director Jeffrey Derevensky. “The Gift Responsibly Campaign is a great reminder for adults not to gift lottery tickets to minor.”
Participants include the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia: IGT; Scientific Games; and Doura-Schawohl Consulting.
