Lottery tickets can increase a child's risk of developing gambling problems later in life, according to research. The Gift Responsibly Campaign, launched by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and McGill University's International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems, aims to prevent this by discouraging adults from giving lottery tickets to minors.

The campaign, formerly known as the Responsible Gambling Holiday Lottery Campaign, has been running since 2003. Its recent rebranding allows the message to extend beyond the December holiday season to other gift-giving occasions like birthdays and graduations.

"Early exposure to gambling activities through lottery gifts increases the possibility that children will develop a gambling addiction as they grow older," explains NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte. The campaign focuses on lottery tickets specifically because they are the most widely participated form of gambling.

The initiative has achieved 100% participation from eligible Canadian and U.S. lotteries for the fourth consecutive year. It also includes international lotteries and is endorsed by major organizations including:

• European Lotteries (EL)
• North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL)
• World Lottery Association (WLA)

Jeffrey Derevensky, Director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems, emphasizes that while December remains the campaign's focus, the message is relevant year-round.

Participating organizations commit to various promotional activities across three levels of engagement, including:

• 13 lotteries at Level 3
• 21 lotteries at Level 2
• 29 lotteries at Level 1
• 65 non-lottery organizations

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available 24/7:

• Call or text: 1-800-522-4700
• Chat online: ncpgambling.org/chat All services are free and confidential.

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