As important role models for children, parents, caregivers and family members are reminded not to give lottery tickets to minors this holiday season.
“We all have a role and responsibility to prevent underage gambling,” says Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation (NSPLCC). “As adults, we may enjoy giving and receiving lottery and scratch tickets as gifts during the holidays, or throughout the year, but these are never appropriate gifts for minors.”
Research shows lottery play, especially scratch tickets, can increase the potential for problem gambling later in life. For some youth it is the initial introduction to gambling activities.
“Lottery tickets are not child’s play and should not be given as gifts to youth,” said Mr. MacKinnon. “It is an activity reserved only for adults who choose to gamble and are over the age of 19.”
As managers of regulated gambling in the province, NSPLCC actively promotes responsible gambling year-round. They work with their ticket lottery operator, Atlantic Lottery, to ensure Nova Scotians understand their responsibility by including age of majority messaging on ticket lottery products and verifying that ticket lottery retailers comply with 19+ laws.
To continue raising awareness, both corporations are again participating in McGill University’s holiday campaign. This year marks the 10th annual holiday campaign to discourage youth gambling and remind people they can keep the fun in the holidays by gifting lottery tickets responsibly to adults.
Source: Release