NY Gaming Commission Reminding Residents, Lotto Tickets Are Great Gifts For Those 18 and Older

The holiday season is now in full swing, and the New York State Gaming Commission is once again reminding residents that while lottery tickets can make a great gift, they are only for those aged 18 years or older.

Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer said, “Lottery tickets are fun, exciting gifts for adults, but they are clearly not for children. We encourage all New Yorkers to responsibly enjoy the holiday season – including keeping potential gambling harms away from our youth.”

The public service announcement is part of a collaborative effort between the Gaming Commission, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and the NY Council on Problem Gambling. According to the Gaming Commission, research has shown that early exposure to or participation in gambling during childhood is highly correlated with the development of a gambling problem later in life. Exposure during childhood typically involved a lottery product like a ticket or scratch off. These items are usually given to children by an adult who is unaware of the associated risk.

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Gifting lottery tickets or scratch offs to young people may seem harmless, but it can be a risk factor for them developing a gambling addiction later in life. It is important that adults are aware of these risks and recognize these are not appropriate gifts for those under 18. Working closely with our partners in the Responsible Play Partnership, we continue to expand and enhance our continuum of gambling services throughout New York, as well as educate the public about the importance of responsible gambling.”