Why to NEVER give lottery tickets to kids as a holiday gift

When the holiday season arrives, so do festive traditions, cherished moments with family and the search for the perfect gifts to light up loved ones' faces. One popular stocking stuffer that may seem innocuous is the scratch-off lottery ticket. Affordable, colorful and packed with potential for excitement, these tickets are often seen as harmless fun for any age. 

But beneath the surface lies a deeper concern: exposing children to lottery tickets can lead to an increased likelihood of harmful behaviors, including lottery addiction. This holiday season, it’s therefore wise to choose gifts that create joy without addiction risk.

Campaign highlights risks of gifting lottery tickets to kids

This holiday season, the Gift Responsibly Campaign has reached record participation, with 74 lotteries and 101 community organizations worldwide joining forces to raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Spearheaded by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), the initiative emphasizes the dangers of exposing children to lottery products such as scratch-offs.

To combat early exposure to potential gambling addiction, participating organizations are engaging their communities through public service announcements, retailer training and digital campaigns. Their shared message is simple yet powerful: lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for children. This year marks the campaign's seventh consecutive year of 100% participation from eligible U.S. and Canadian lotteries, joined by international partners and community groups. 

Dangers of gifting lottery tickets to kids

Gambling might seem like an activity reserved for adults, but studies show that early exposure at a young age can have long-term consequences. Research from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) and Seton Hall University revealed that 43.3% of young adults were exposed to gambling between the ages of 11 and 16, and of those, 5% developed problem gambling behaviors later in life.

Common ways children are introduced to gambling include:

• Observing parents’ gambling habits

• Receiving scratch-offs or other lottery tickets as gifts from friends or family

• Exposure to the growing popularity of sports betting platforms

The risks go beyond developing gambling behaviors. A Yale University School of Medicine study found that children exposed to gambling are more likely to experience mental health challenges like depression, substance abuse and alcohol dependency later in life.

It’s no wonder why the minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets is 18 (or older in some states). And the risks cited above are compounded by other factors:

• Family history: Gambling disorders often run in families.

• Coping mechanisms: Addiction can stem from using gambling as a way to handle stress or untreated mental health conditions.

• Co-occurring addictions: Gambling addiction often overlaps with other issues, such as alcohol, drug or video gaming addictions.

Brain studies reveal that all addictions – whether to substances or behaviors – activate the same pleasure centers in the brain, reinforcing compulsive habits.

These findings underscore why lottery tickets should never be given as gifts to children. They’re more than just a game – they can spark harmful behaviors that follow kids into adulthood.

Can lottery scratch tickets lead to gambling addiction?

Scratch-off tickets might appear as an innocent pastime, but their design makes them one of the most addictive forms of gambling. These tickets are:

• Affordable: Low upfront cost means they’re easy to purchase repeatedly.

• Accessible: Sold at nearly every gas station and grocery store.

• Instantly Gratifying: Winners can experience an immediate dopamine rush, reinforcing the habit.

When someone engages in behaviors that stimulate dopamine – such as winning on a scratch-off ticket – it can create cravings for that same high, leading to compulsive habits. Over time, this can spiral into addiction, with players chasing bigger thrills through more frequent or expensive purchases.

Signs of lottery ticket gambling addiction

Buying a lottery ticket occasionally may seem harmless, but for some, it can turn into a compulsive behavior that disrupts their life. If you suspect someone may be struggling with lottery addiction, look for these red flags:

• Compulsive purchasing: The inability to stop buying lottery tickets, even when trying to cut back.

• Increasing spending: Spending more money over time to chase the same level of excitement.

• Obsession: Constantly thinking about lottery tickets or planning the next purchase.

• Negative consequences: Continuing to gamble despite its impact on relationships, finances or work.

• Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling restless or irritable when unable to gamble.

• Secrecy: Hiding lottery purchases or lying about gambling habits due to guilt or shame.

Recognizing these signs early can help prevent further harm and open the door to recovery.

Problem Gambling support and care options for lottery players 

Lottery addiction doesn’t have to define someone’s life. Specialized treatment options, such as those provided by Birches Health, can help individuals regain control. Therapy is tailored to the individual’s needs, making recovery accessible and manageable. Many services are covered by insurance, ensuring minimal financial barriers. If you or someone you know is struggling, getting started with Birches is simple:

• Book an Appointment with a Licensed Therapist

• Speak with a Care Specialist to discuss options 

• Confidentially refer Someone Else

• Free Self-Assessment

How much is spent on lottery tickets in the United States?

Lottery tickets are the most popular form of gambling in the United States. In 2023 alone, Americans spent over $100 billion on lottery tickets, and this figure is expected to grow by $43 billion by 2028.

Per capita spending varies by state:

• Massachusetts: $970 per year per resident – the highest in the country

• New York: Over $10 billion in scratch-off lottery sales in 2023 alone

• National average: $288 spent per household annually

The holiday season brings an additional surge in ticket sales, with festive designs and holiday-themed games fueling purchases. While many view these as harmless stocking stuffers, the statistics – and risks – tell a different story.

Sources:

• NJB Magazine

• Yale University

• Statista

• University of Maryland

• National Council on Problem Gambling