The Minnesota Alliance for Problem Gambling and the Minnesota Lottery Join 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign to Raise Awareness of Youth Gambling Risks
Campaign seeks to amplify how early exposure of gambling can increase one’s likelihood of a gambling addiction
CONTACT:
Susan Sheridan Tucker
sstucker@mnapg.org
612-424-8595 x1
ROSEVILLE, Minn. (Nov. 27, 2024) — The Minnesota Alliance for Problem Gambling (MNAPG) and the Minnesota Lottery announce their continued participation in the 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign, an international responsible gambling campaign to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign, organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University, unites lotteries and community organizations from across the nation and world. During November and December, MNAPG and the Minnesota Lottery will promote the campaign through public service announcements, social media content and press outreach.
At this gift-giving time of year, lottery scratch off tickets are a popular and easy gift to slip into a present or stocking. Holiday lottery tickets are designed to be festive, with bright colors and create fun and competition among family members who receive them. Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling addictions run in families and can often co-occur with other addictions such as alcohol, substance misuse and/or gaming addiction. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
“Many adults might not know the risks of gifting a scratch-off or lottery ticket to children or allowing them to play,” said Susan Sheridan Tucker, MNAPG Executive Director and NCPG Board of Directors President. “Yet it’s a risky activity for kids and teens. Approximately 10-14 percent of adolescents are at-risk for developing a problem with gambling. In Minnesota that translates to over 6,000 high school students, according to the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey.”
“We’re proud to partner with the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling to raise awareness on the risks of youth gambling,” said Adam Prock, Minnesota Lottery Executive Director. “The message is simple — lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for children. Lottery products are designed specifically for adults. We encourage Minnesota adults who do play to make and model safe, responsible choices.”
“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “I commend MNAPG and the Minnesota Lottery 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.”
Minnesotans can learn more about the Gift Responsibly campaign on MNAPG.org, where they can find information about warning signs and tips for addressing youth gambling. School groups, businesses and local organizations can also build their knowledge of gambling addiction and at-risk gambling by requesting a presentation or receiving a variety of resources available, including MNAPG’s high school toolkit on problem gambling and gaming, all at no cost.
About Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) is a nonprofit, gambling-neutral organization dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesotans affected by problem gambling. A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, MNAPG is funded by membership fees, financial and in-kind donations, and state and private grants. MNAPG serves as Minnesota’s affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling.
About the Minnesota State Lottery
Since 1990, the lottery has generated more than $4 billion for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. More than $1.7 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Another $2.3 billion has helped fund state programs, including education, public safety and health and human services. Lottery dollars also support programs to help prevent and treat problem gambling. For more information, visit www.mnlottery.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 Behaviours 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.