The BC Lottery Corporation has issued their annual reminder that while scratch and win lottery tickets can be a joy to give and receive, and might seem like harmless fun, they’re not for kids, so keep them out of children’s Christmas stockings.
Research shows that exposure to gambling during childhood is correlated with the development of problem gambling in adulthood.
Scratch-and-win tickets are one of the most common ways that kids are exposed to gambling. Adults often see these as fun, light-hearted gifts, but they can lead children to form positive associations with gambling early on, making it harder for them to make safe choices about gambling when they’re older.
Studies show that 10 to 14 per cent of adolescents are at risk for developing a problem with gambling, while four to six per cent of youth aged 12–17 are presently impacted by problem gambling. Children who receive things like scratch-and-win tickets are four times more likely to develop gambling issues as they grow up.
Children’s brains are still developing, which makes it harder for them to understand concepts such as risk and long-term consequences; risk assessment skills don’t fully develop until adulthood.
Kids also learn by observing adults, so if they see family members gambling, they’re more likely to think of it as normal behaviour. Research also shows that children whose parents gamble are more likely to gamble themselves.
That’s why parents should have conversations with their kids about gambling, which can be as simple as explaining to a child, during a visit to an amusement park, that just because money was paid to get a chance to win a stuffed animal, it doesn’t mean they are guaranteed to win.
Conversations should be tailored to the child’s age and interests.
Those under the age of 18 are not allowed to purchase lottery tickets of any kind in B.C., and they are not allowed to claim any prizes, but it is not illegal to give lottery tickets to children. However, while lottery products such as scratch-and-win tickets might seem like a fun stocking stuffer for kids at this time of year, they should only be given to those aged 19 and older.
Learn more about how to be #GiftSmart at www.gamesense.com, which includes resources for families including tools, ideas, and further information for parents.