66 global lotteries and organisations unite for US campaign
The campaign draws attention to research, revealing the correlation between early exposure to gambling in childhood and the increased likelihood of developing gambling problems later in life.
In a collective effort to address the risks associated with youth gambling, 66 lotteries and 84 community organisations worldwide have joined forces for the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign.
This initiative, led by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University, aims to highlight the dangers linked with gifting lottery tickets to children during the holiday season.
Participating organisations will leverage various mediums, including public service announcements, social media, digital advertising, in-store messaging and retailer training, to disseminate a unified message: lottery products are unsuitable gifts for children.
Jeffrey Derevensky, Director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours, said: “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. The Gift Responsibly Campaign is a great reminder for adults not to gift lottery tickets to minors.”
This year marks the sixth consecutive participation of 100% eligible US and Canadian lotteries, alongside numerous international lotteries and non-lottery organisations, endorsing the campaign.
Notably, the campaign has received endorsements from the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, the World Lottery Association and the European Lotteries.
Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director, said: “We applaud the numerous lotteries and community organisations for joining the campaign to amplify this vital message, fostering public awareness and understanding of the potential risks associated with youth gambling.”
This campaign follows the recent announcement by the NCPG of its Fall 2023 Agility Grants, amounting to a total funding of $176,000 for five non-profit organisations dedicated to addressing problem gambling issues across the US.
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