Lottery tickets are not appropriate stocking stuffers for children
Olympia, WA (December 2, 2024) – As you search for the perfect holiday gifts for family members and friends, Washington’s Lottery wants to remind everyone that lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for children and teens under the age of 18 during the holiday season, or any time of year.
“While it can be fun to give and receive a lottery ticket during the holiday season, lottery tickets should only be purchased by adults and gifted to adults,” said Joshua Johnston, Director of Washington’s Lottery. “As a strong advocate for responsible gambling, Washington’s Lottery is proud to continue our partnership with the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling to raise awareness about this important issue and ensure that lottery tickets remain in the hands of those 18 or older.”
Data provided by the National Council on Problem Gambling and Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) shows that many minors report their first gambling experience occurs between ages 9 and 11, and that early gambling experiences – including lottery products – are a risk factor for problem gambling in later years.
"Many adolescents report receiving their first lottery ticket from parents or other adults in their lives as gifts during the holiday season, which can seem like simple fun, but can also pose risks,” said Maureen Greeley, Executive Director of ECPG. “This highlights the need for continued awareness around how gambling behaviors can develop at a young age, and the significant developmental reasons why lottery games – and gambling in general – are not suitable for anyone under the age of 18."
Washington’s Lottery, along with other state and provincial lotteries across the United States and Canada, are committed to warning adults about the hazards associated with underage lottery gambling. Those concerned about problem gambling are invited to call ECPG’s Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline at 1.800.547.6133. The Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will refer callers to counseling available in Washington, including low- and no-fee services available for those who cannot afford it.
For a list of great gift ideas for kids, go to https://www.evergreencpg.org/gift-responsibly/. More information about problem gambling, including local treatment and recovery support services, is available at www.evergreencpg.org. More information also can be found at www.youthgambling.com and from the National Council on Problem Gambling website at www.ncpgambling.org.
Who Benefits
Since 1982, Washington’s Lottery has generated more than $5.3 billion to support several important state programs, including providing much-needed funds for the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account (WOPA). In FY23, WOPA received $199.9 million from the Lottery. Of this, $139.1 million helped fund the Washington College Grant, a financial aid program that supported more than 29,000 college students and apprentices across the state last year. Another $2.5 million helped fund the College Bound program to help eligible students attain a college or training degree or credential.
Washington’s Lottery Beneficiary Fact
Washington’s Lottery is proud to be a financial supporter of the Washington Student Achievement Council, which administers state financial aid programs. WSAC leads a variety of initiatives to increase educational opportunities for students, families, and educators across the state, with a particular focus on increasing equity by reaching communities of color and students from low-income families. The $141.6 million investment made in FY23 by the Lottery helps fund the Washington College Grant and College Bound programs, in order to improve access to postsecondary attainment for students across Washington.
About Washington’s Lottery: The state’s Lottery offers consumers several types of games, including Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, Pick 3, Cash POP, Daily Keno and Scratch. For more information, visit www.walottery.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @walottery.
Keep it fun. Know your limit. Washington’s Lottery is an advocate for responsible gaming and collaborates with the Evergreen Council for Problem Gambling to provide resources for those in need. More information is available at www.walottery.com/Responsibility.
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Press Contacts
Dan Miller (Curator on behalf of Washington’s Lottery)
E-mail: dan.miller@curatorpr.com
Xiamara Garza (Curator on behalf of Washington’s Lottery)
E-mail: xiamara.garza@curatorpr.com