Maryland Lottery: Tickets Are Not Suitable Gifts for Children

Ahead of the holiday season, the Maryland Lottery issued a reminder about the negative impact of gambling on children, highlighting that lottery products are not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

The Maryland Lottery Supports NCPG’s Gift Responsibly Campaign

The effort underlines the Lottery’s dedication to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Gift Responsibly Campaign, an annual initiative that raises awareness about the dangers of exposing children to gambling. As a part of the campaign, the Maryland Lottery reminded consumers and retailers that ticket sales to individuals under the age of 18 are not permitted.

The annual initiative comes at a time when the lottery operator is currently implementing changes to its products. Once completed, the changes will see all video displays, self-service vending machines and retailers display an “18+” signage, reminding everyone about the age restriction applicable to lottery products in Maryland.

The Lottery pointed to a recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey which uncovered that approximately 15% of the high school students admitted to gambling in the last 12 months. The same study highlighted that an estimated 4% of the adults in Maryland are suffering from a gambling addiction. However, considering the percentage of children exposed to gambling, it is likely that more than 4% of children may be considered problem gamblers.

Equally as important, the Lottery pointed to research by the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, which highlights why children shouldn’t be exposed to gambling activities. This research stressed the connection between activities that can lead to addiction and the exposure of children to gambling.

Adults Should Not Gift or Encourage Underage Gambling

Jasmine Countess, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Responsible gaming director, revealed that the gifting of lottery tickets to children may have dire consequences as minors can later develop a gambling problem. “Adults should not encourage or facilitate underage gambling and should remember that Lottery tickets are not the right gift for kids,” the executive added.

“Although it may not seem significant on the surface, giving Lottery tickets to minors can actually increase their risk for developing a gambling problem later in life.“

Maryland Lottery and Gaming Responsible gaming director Jasmine Countess

John Martin, a director at the Lottery added: “We’re very careful about reviewing the games we launch and the images we use in our marketing efforts to make sure we aren’t appealing to children.” He explained that many may find lottery tickets as a suitable gift for adults, especially ahead of the upcoming holidays. Still, Martin reiterated that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children, highlighting documented effects of exposure to gambling in minors.