The New York State Gaming Commission, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York Council on Problem Gambling remind New Yorkers that lottery tickets make great gifts for everyone on their gift lists – except for those under 18 years of age.

Collectively known as New York’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP), the Gaming Commission, OASAS and New York Council on Problem Gambling support the national “Gift Responsibly” campaign organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).

Research supports that early exposure to or participation in gambling during childhood is highly correlated with the development of a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through a lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.

This holiday season, the Gaming Commission’s Division of the Lottery is continuing its award-winning "Small Risk/Big Gamble" public service announcement campaign across the state and reminding its retailers about the issue: Always check the government-issued photo ID of any customer purchasing a Lottery ticket. If the customer is underage or does not show a valid form of ID, do not make the sale.

OASAS oversees providers across the state that offer problem gambling services, and regularly works with its provider network to improve services. Prevention providers focused on gambling provide community-based education programs to adults regarding the harms associated with underage gambling and how to seek support through the NYS OASAS HOPEline if needed.

Throughout the year, the New York Council on Problem Gambling works to address youth risk through training professionals, community-based organizations, and youth influencers. The Council’s efforts also focus on supporting New York State colleges and universities as they begin to assess and understand this public health issue and how to address it on campus.  Keeping young people safe from gambling starts with awareness and education. Through our You Decide NY hub youth, parents and communities can access clear, supportive resources to understand risks and make healthy choices around gambling.

Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer said, “Lottery tickets are fun, exciting gifts for adults, but they are clearly not for children. We encourage all New Yorkers to responsibly enjoy the holiday season – including keeping potential gambling harms away from our youth.”

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Gifting lottery tickets or scratch offs to young people may seem harmless, but it can be a risk factor for them developing a gambling addiction later in life. It is important that adults are aware of these risks and recognize these are not appropriate gifts for those under 18. Working closely with our partners in the Responsible Play Partnership, we continue to expand and enhance our continuum of gambling services throughout New York, as well as educate the public about the importance of responsible gambling.”

New York Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Michelle Hadden said, "Gambling on scratch off tickets is often seen as harmless fun for kids, but research shows youth are far more vulnerable to the harms of gambling. We hope this holiday season gift giving brings joy to young people and not lottery play. We are proud to partner with OASAS and the Gaming Commission again this holiday season to spread this message to all our parents and grandparents in NY. Let's keep our young people safe from gambling harms."

Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG’s Board of Directors, said, “Youth gambling is a growing risk that too often goes overlooked. The Gift Responsibly Campaign plays a vital role in helping families and communities understand the importance of keeping lottery products out of kids’ hands. We’re grateful to New York State for joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”

Visit the NCPG for more information about the Gift Responsibly campaign.

The New York Lottery is committed to providing players with a range of fun, entertaining games in a socially responsible manner. Those seeking help can visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org or call New York State’s confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369). Standard text rates may apply.