WASHINGTON, DC–The DC Lottery’s participation in the annual Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling campaign promotes responsible gaming and raises awareness of the risks of underage lottery play. Headed by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), this public awareness initiative reminds shoppers that lottery games are not suitable gifts for minors. Now, in its third year of action in this national campaign, the DC Lottery is leveraging its network of retailers, digital and social media channels, and advertising assets to share the important message, “Lottery tickets aren’t child’s play.”

According to NCPG, young people report their first gambling experience on average around 9-11 years of age and approximately 80-percent of high-school age adolescents report having gambled for money during the past year.

Throughout the winter holiday season, the DC Lottery will dedicate a portion of its media assets to heighten public attention to this matter including issue-specific point of sale placards placed in stores, , using its website homepage and social media platforms, and out of doors advertising and digital signage.

As a matter of standard business practices and in adherence to District of Columbia law, the DC Lottery strictly prohibits the sale of its games and participation in its promotions to persons under the age of 18. Lottery personnel routinely conduct surprise inspections at retailer locations to enforce these restrictions and ensure adherence to DC Lottery rules and procedures regarding the sale of lottery games.

Since its inception in 1982, the DC Lottery has awarded more than $3.8 billion in prizes, transferred more than $2.14 billion to the District's General Fund which supports essential services in the District, and has helped local nonprofits raise more than $134 million in support of social causes.