NEW JERSEY – Lottery game participation is meant to be a fun, entertaining and inexpensive way to wonder “what if.” The holiday season—filled with the magic of dreams—is a perfect time to dream big. However, players must be serious about how they exhibit healthy gaming practices to younger family members.
This is why the New Jersey Lottery works with Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey to help families recognize that lottery tickets are not the right gifts for minors. The Lottery remains committed to the prevention of underage gambling—not just during the holiday season, but year round.
Modeling healthy habits is crucial to preventing problem gambling down the road. Indeed, a 2023 Rutgers study indicates that problem-gambling habits start in the home at young ages. Further, as access to various gambling channels continues to grow, more than 50% of problem gamblers are between the ages of 18 and 35.
“Today, we live in a pro-gambling climate,” said CCGNJ Board President Fred W. Hogan. “The council is neither for nor against gambling, but our services are needed now more than ever. We must have a public that promotes healthy behaviors and the safety of our youth is the priority. We will continue to educate the public about gambling addiction and help those who are struggling.”
Therefore, the Lottery and the CCGNJ will continue to advocate for responsible gaming activities, including an advertising and social media campaign that urges residents to use good judgement when making holiday gift selections for children.
“I get it. People love slipping lottery tickets into holiday cards or putting them in stockings as gifts from Santa. But adults need to avoid gifting lottery tickets to children,” Lottery Director James A. Carey said. “State law requires lottery purchasers to be 18 years of age or older. While the law does not prohibit adults from giving tickets to minors, please keep in mind that there’s a lot of research—including the Rutgers study—that shows this is just not a good idea. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from people recovering from gambling addiction say how they started playing at a young age with adults.”
