Lottery Tickets Make Perfect Gifts – Just Not For Kids
Finding the right holiday gift can be a challenge, and while it is appealing to think that a friend or family member could win big thanks to a gift of lottery tickets, giving that gift isn’t always appropriate. Washington’s Lottery is teaming up with the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) to remind everyone in Washington that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children and teens under the age of 18 during the holiday season or any time of year.
Youth gambling is a growing public-health concern. Parental and community engagement is key to reaching young adults and youth early.
“Many young people report receiving their first lottery tickets as gifts during the holiday season, and while that can seem fun, it may also create some long-term risks,” said Maureen Greeley, Executive Director of ECPG. “Studies show a clear link between early exposure to gambling products and the potential for problem gambling later in life. There are significant developmental reasons why lottery games – and gambling in general – are not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. They’re just too young to bet.”
Recent data provided by The National Council on Problem Gambling and the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling shows:
- Early intervention is critical: 2025 report in the journal International Gambling Studies shows gambling before age 18 was associated with a more than 80% higher risk of problem gambling later in life,
- One out of 12 Washington adolescents (8.4%)* is at risk of developing gambling problems.
“Talking openly to youth and young adults about gambling doesn’t encourage them to gamble more — it helps protect them,” said Greeley. “It’s the best gift of the information they need to make healthy choices now and in the future.”
Dynamic educational programs, such as Youth Have The Power (YHTP), which teach youth to recognize gambling risks and make healthy choices are great, free, options to share with youth/young adults ages 9-24. The program offers information and interactive challenges and rewards for learning and engaging in their communities.
If you would like more information or are concerned for yourself or a loved one, call ECPG’s Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline at 1.800.547.6133. The toll-free Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will assist callers with resources and referrals to counseling available in Washington, including low- and no-fee services available for those with financial need. More information about problem gambling and gaming and resources is available at Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling
*Volberg & Moore, 1999