Gambling Gifts for Kids Aren’t a Safe Bet, Experts Warn

(Norman, OK) – It’s that time of year when many Oklahomans are looking for a few more gifts to share with family and friends, but there’s one gift that experts agree should not end up in the hands of children—lottery tickets.

While lottery tickets can be convenient to purchase and fun for adults to play, they are not appropriate for children. Studies show that early exposure to gambling puts children at a higher risk for gambling disorder later in life.

The Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming (OAPGG) is raising awareness about the risks of underage lottery use as part of the global Gift Responsibly campaign, led by National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. The main message of the Gift Responsibly campaign? Lottery tickets and scratch offs are not child’s play.

“We are seeing gambling disorder affecting younger age groups as time goes on,” said Dr. Wiley Harwell, executive director of OAPGG. “The part of the brain that understands risk taking is the last to develop, so children and teens are unable to use good judgement when it comes to gambling. In fact, one of the worst things that can happen is that they get a winning ticket, giving them the impression that they are luckier than average or that another win is likely.”

Most teens report that their first gambling experience was between the ages of 9 to 11, much lower than the minimum recommended age of 18. All gambling products, such as lottery tickets, poker sets, or gift cards to sports betting apps, should be limited to adults only.

The Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming is a nonprofit that works with stakeholders across Oklahoma to raise awareness, treat, and prevent gambling disorder. If you or a loved one needs help with problems related to gambling, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER.