CONCORD, Ohio (December 10, 2024) – As the holiday season approaches, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries is once again teaming up with the National Council on Problem Gambling for the annual Gift Responsibly Campaign. This initiative reminds everyone that lottery products are not suitable gifts for children.
Research shows that early exposure to gambling increases the likelihood of developing a gambling problem later in life. This exposure during childhood can occur through lottery products gifted by an adult likely unaware of the associated risks. Endorsed by NASPL, the World Lottery Association, and the European Lotteries, the Gift Responsibly Campaign stands as a collaborative, international effort to safeguard the well-being of minors.
“NASPL is proud of our continued partnership with NCPG to promote responsible gambling. The Gift Responsibly Campaign allows us to spread awareness and encourage thoughtful, responsible gifting this holiday season. Let’s ensure the holidays remain joyful by reserving lottery gifts for adults.”
NASPL’s Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the Gift Responsibly Campaign in 2013, encouraging member organizations to participate within their jurisdictional guidelines.
This year, for the seventh consecutive year in a row, 100% of eligible U.S. and Canadian lotteries have signed on to the campaign. Nineteen international lotteries and several non-lottery organizations have also joined the effort to promote responsible gambling practices.
“This year’s record participation is a heartwarming way to enter the holiday season as we continue our work to educate the public about the dangers of underage gambling,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “The Gift Responsibly Campaign promotes global awareness and understanding that lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for children or teens. I applaud and thank the numerous lotteries and community organizations who have joined the campaign for the first time or have reaffirmed their support in 2024. While our communities, languages, and legal gambling ages may differ, one message is always consistent: Lottery tickets are not for kids.”
Throughout November and December, campaign participants will engage in community outreach to emphasize the dangers of gifting lottery tickets to young people. Activities may include public service announcements on TV and radio, social media campaigns, digital advertising, in-store signage, and retailer training. These efforts share a clear message: Lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.
“NASPL is proud of our continued partnership with NCPG to promote responsible gambling,” said David Gale, NASPL Executive Director. “The Gift Responsibly Campaign allows us to spread awareness and encourage thoughtful, responsible gifting this holiday season. Let’s ensure the holidays remain joyful by reserving lottery gifts for adults.”
NASPL has a long history of advancing responsible gambling initiatives in partnership with NCPG. Beginning in 2014, in collaboration with NCPG and the North Carolina Education Lottery, NASPL worked to create comprehensive RG training materials for both lottery employees and retailers; the group effort culminated in the release of specialized training
videos to be shared among the membership. From then on, NASPL has continued to develop and expand its RG efforts and related training components to better serve the evolving industry through its Responsible Gambling Verification programs, participation in the annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month, continued educational opportunities and more. Responsible gambling resources, including Verification Program information, employee and retailer training videos, and a downloadable RG Toolkit are available to NASPL members on the NASPL Matrix.
For more information on the Gift Responsibly Campaign, visit ncpgambling.org/giftresponsibly.
About NASPL
The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries was founded in 1971. Evolving from an informal exchange of information among three pioneering lottery directors, the organization has grown into an active association representing 53 lottery organizations. NASPL’s basic mission is to advocate for state and provincial lottery organizations on matters of general lottery policy and leverage collaboration, communication, education, and information for the betterment of the industry.
About NCPG
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit
. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.