DC Lottery Joins Campaign to Raise Awareness About the Risks of Youth Gambling
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The DC Lottery has renewed its annual commitment to the 2022 Gift Responsibly Campaign.
As a returning participant of the Campaign, DC Lottery joins lotteries and community organizations across the country and around the world to raise awareness of the risks of buying lottery tickets for children. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University lead the campaign.
Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or even exposure to gambling in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through lottery products given by an adult who are likely unaware of the risks these gifts create.
DC Lottery Executive Director Frank Suarez said, “We understand the importance of doing our part to prevent underage gambling. The DC Lottery is proud to once again partner with the National Council on Problem Gambling in this national awareness campaign.”
During November and December, DC Lottery will work to raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling by utilizing in-person, web and social communication channels to promote campaign messaging including public service announcements, in-store signage, and retailer trainings. These efforts are part of DC Lottery’s ongoing Responsible Gambling initiative that include age verification, and registration with qualifying identification for in-person and online purchases to prevent minors from purchasing lottery products.
“Youth problem gambling has emerged as a significant and growing public health issue. We applaud DC Lottery’s continued commitment to raising awareness about risks of youth gambling through the Gift Responsibly Campaign,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “Our message is a simple one: lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”
DC Lottery and the Office of Lottery and Gaming is committed to encouraging responsible gaming practices during the holiday season and throughout the year. Our Play Responsibly program offers players a variety of options including access to self-assessment tools, deposit and wager limits, 24-hour confidential counseling, and our self-exclusion program.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Free and confidential help is available at any time.
About International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University
For over 20 years, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University has been at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at identifying and understanding the critical factors related to youth gambling issues.
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Release ID: 22-006
The DC Lottery generates revenue for the District of Columbia through the sale of innovative lottery and sports wagering products while providing gaming regulation and oversight. Since its inception in 1982, the DC Lottery has awarded more than $4.4 billion in prizes, transferred more than $2.3 billion to the District’s General Fund which supports essential services in the District of Columbia, commissioned more than $473 million to Lottery retailers, and has helped local nonprofits raise more than $135 million in support of charitable causes.