Agencies: Lottery tickets are not for kids

Dec 12, 2016 Spotlight News Government, News

(photo via New York State Lottery webpage)

ALBANY – They are not a “Bag O’ Glass” like the old Saturday Night Live skit, but a number of state agencies are urging New Yorkers to not buy lottery tickets as Christmas gifts for kids.

“The commission is committed to responsible play practices and has real policies in effect to combat underage gambling and problem gambling,” said state Gaming Commission Executive Director Rob Williams. “Or We Check ID program at more than 17,500 retailers statewide is a strong reminder that you must be 18 years of older to play lottery games. The ‘Gift Responsibly’ campaign is a creative extension of our year-round efforts.”

The Responsible Play Partnership is comprised of the Gaming Commission, the state Office of Alcoholism and Substances Abuse Services and the New York Council on Problem Gambling. It has launched a TV and radio public service announcement campaign aimed at reminding adults some gifts are not for kids.

“Research shows that gambling early in life can put children at risk for developing problem gambling behavior later on,” said OASIS Commissioner Sanchez Gonzalez. “At holiday time, adults should consider that there are certain gifts – like scratch-off lottery tickets – that are not appropriate for kids and that could put their well-being at risk down the road.”

The Gift Responsibly TV PSAs are currently running in 10 markets across 35 networks statewide. The Radio PSAs are running in 16 markets across 59 stations. The campaign is being supported with in-store graphics at all Lottery retail locations. The multi-channel campaign is scheduled to run through the holiday season.

“We discourage youth from participating in any type of gambling until early adulthood when they are less likely to be at risk of developing a problem that includes Lottery scratch-off tickets,” said New York Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Jim Maney.

To learn more about the warning signs of gambling addiction, visit the New York Council on Problem Gambling’s warning signs webpage. For help with problem gambling contact the New York State HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369.)