Today the Colorado Lottery announced its commitment to participate at the highest level in the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across the country and around the world, to raise awareness about the risks of buying lottery tickets for children. The campaign 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.
Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or even exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood also includes receiving gifts of lottery products, given by an adult who is likely unaware of the associated risks.
“All year we work hard to protect our players by incorporating more of the industry’s best practices and by tapping into every resource available to support responsible gaming,” said Tom Seaver, director of the Colorado Lottery. “As part of those efforts, we must also remember to protect our future players by educating people about the risks of giving Lottery products to kids.”
During November and December and through the holidays, the Lottery will raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling by encouraging age-appropriate play through public service announcements, social media, in-store signage, and retailer communications.
“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “I commend each Gift Responsibly Campaign participant for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Now, more than ever, we must continue to insist that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”
About Colorado Lottery
Since 1983, the Colorado Lottery has returned more than $4 billion to outdoor projects through Great Outdoors Colorado, the Conservation Trust Fund, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife; and to schools through Building Excellent Schools Today. Proceeds from sales of Colorado Lottery games—Scratch, Powerball, Mega Millions, Colorado Lotto+, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, and Pick 3—enhance, protect, improve parks, trails, and open space in Colorado. For more information, visit coloradolottery.com.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7—it is free and confidential.
About International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University
For over 20 years, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University has been at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at identifying and understanding the critical factors related to youth gambling issues.