Both the Michigan Lottery and the Michigan Gaming Control Board are a major part of a campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with children and lottery tickets.
“Research shows that the earlier the exposure to gambling in childhood, the more likely a person is to develop a gambling problem later in life,” said a press release. “Gambling exposure during childhood is often through a lottery product given by an adult who is likely unaware of the associated risks.”
The 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign brings together 66 lotteries and 84 community organizations from around the world. The campaign is presented by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University.
“With the growing social acceptability and opportunities available for gambling on an international level, it is important to remember that even young people may experience gambling-related problems,” said Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky, the director of the centre based in Montreal. “The Gift Responsibly Campaign is a great reminder for adults not to gift lottery tickets to minors.”
Derevensky has previously spoken to PlayMichigan about a number of youth gambling-related issues. He encouraged adults to talk to young people about gambling before a problem develops.
Campaign has 100% participation for sixth straight year
The Gift Responsibly Campaign has now included 100% of eligible US and Canadian lotteries for a sixth consecutive year.
Throughout December, participating organizations will:
- Work to educate communities about the dangers of gifting lottery tickets to children.
- Raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling.
- Promote responsible gambling practices for those of legal age who choose to gamble.
The campaign has a tiered approach for lotteries, with increasing levels of participation. The Michigan Lottery is a level 3 sponsor — the highest. The MGCB is among the many non-lottery sponsors.
Michigan Lottery: all lottery players must be 18 or older
The Michigan Lottery said it will be sharing messages via social media and ads about responsible gifting. It reminds Michiganders that all lottery players must be at least 18 and lottery tickets should never be given to minors.
“This includes tickets for games such as Mega Millions, Powerball, and Lucky For Life, as well as the popular instant game tickets, which often are given as gifts during the holidays,” the Michigan Lottery said in a release.
https://x.com/MILottery/status/1729149602224345134
The Michigan Lottery also said it is best to avoid gambling when stressed and the holiday season can be particularly stressful for many.
