State Urges People Not To Give Lottery Tickets As Gifts To Minors

ALBANY, NY — The holiday season means many people will give lottery tickets as stocking stuffers. But the state's Gaming Commission cautions they should not be given to minors.

An annual multi-media campaign by the commission, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the New York Council on Problem Gambling is a reminder that the tickets are only for people 18 and older.

"This campaign provides a good opportunity for us to educate players, retailers, marketers, and gift-givers, about the importance of discouraging underage lottery play in light of industry research illustrating underaged gamblers have a greater likelihood to develop gambling problems later in life," Lottery Director Gweneth Dean said in a statement.

The campaign, inspired by the National Council on Problem Gambling’s annual “Gift Responsibly” advocacy initiative, is designed to be an evergreen reminder that while lottery games may be a fun gift for a birthday, anniversary, or other adult celebration at any time of year, they are never appropriate gifts for the underage population.

Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Jim Maney said: "For kids, who are at higher risk of developing a problem, lottery play isn't harmless or appropriate. We hope people will hear the message this year and take individual responsibility to prevent underage gambling problems."

This is the eighth consecutive year the Gaming Commission and its agency colleagues have championed the Gift Responsibly initiative.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help can be found 24/7 at the NYS Hopeline: 1-877-8-HOPENY.