Published on: December 5, 2025, 12:46h.

Updated on: December 5, 2025, 12:46h.

• Lottery Tickets Are Not Ideal Gifts for Youth
• Insights from the National Council on Problem Gambling
• The initiative is championing a campaign advocating for Responsible Gifting

As the holiday season unfolds, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) emphasizes that giving lottery tickets to underage individuals is imprudent.

Every December, the NCPG spearheads the Gift Responsibly Campaign, now backed by a remarkable 67 lotteries, 165 community partners, and two gaming corporations: Bally’s and PrizePicks.

The 2025 initiative introduces “Too Young to Bet,” aligning with the Gift Responsibly campaign to raise awareness about the perils of youth gambling.

“While the primary aim is to highlight the dangers associated with giving lottery tickets to minors, the NCPG has received requests for additional materials like graphics, factsheets, and resources about various gambling forms that may affect children,” the organization stated. “‘Too Young to Bet’ enriches the Gift Responsibly Campaign, making it more relatable for participants across different cultures and countries.”

The NCPG underscores that while lottery products may be referenced, the overarching message is that no form of gambling is suitable or safe for children.

Concerns Regarding Youth Gambling

The rise of sports betting, e-sports, and video game loot boxes has amplified concerns about youth gambling, according to the NCPG.

“Young individuals are now exposed to gambling risks well before they can comprehend them. Through the Gift Responsibly and Too Young to Bet campaigns, we aim to empower parents and educators with crucial information regarding the significance of preventing gambling access for minors,” stated Derek Longmeier, Board President of the NCPG.

“The unprecedented participation from lotteries, gaming operators, and community organizations worldwide this year highlights the importance of this message. Cultivating awareness today is vital for safeguarding future generations,” Longmeier added.

Level 3 lottery partners are required to create their own press releases regarding the Gift Responsibly initiative, post at least 11 messages on social media about responsible gaming and youth gambling, run an advertisement or digital campaign on the program, and submit an editorial pitch to the press. This year, Level 3 partners include lotteries from California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Seasonal Lottery Games

Numerous state lotteries across the United States offer special holiday-themed scratch-off tickets. In states that permit online lottery participation, festive interactive games are also available.

The Virginia Lottery’s website and its social media posts are currently branded with a “Gift Responsibly” logo, along with the slogan, “Lottery games are not intended for minors.”