National Council on Problem Gambling

The Arizona Lottery and Department of Gaming have joined a global campaign that promotes responsible gifting.

Research indicates that early exposure to gambling activities like lottery play increases the risk of gambling addiction later in life.

The Arizona Lottery and Department of Gaming have joined a global campaign that promotes responsible gifting.

The key campaign message is “Lottery tickets are not child’s play.” The National Council on Problem Gambling says some adults give lottery tickets to kids as gifts without realizing underage lottery play makes them more susceptible to problem gambling as they grow.

According to the council, many young people report their first gambling experience around 9 to 11 years old. It says 10 to 14% of adolescents are at-risk for developing a gambling problem, compared to 1 to 2% of adults.

The campaign began in 2003 to raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling and is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.

For the past three years, the council reports 100% participation from lotteries in the United States and Canada, along with some international lottery and non-lottery groups. 

There are several levels of engagement for lotteries and other organizations and the Arizona Lottery committed to the lowest level which requires:

• Sign up as a participant of the campaign.
• Press release or media placement.
• One to four Social Media Messages Posted (promoting responsible gambling/appropriate age for lottery play/youth gambling stats/parental awareness tips).

In a press release, Arizona said the state will encourage age-appropriate play through public service announcements and social media posts throughout December.

“Research linking early exposure to gambling to future problem gambling and other risky behaviors is why the Arizona Department of Gaming is involved in the campaign. Our message is simple: lottery tickets are appropriate gifts only for adults,” said Ted Vogt, director of Arizona Department of Gaming.