You really shouldn’t have.
For any well-meaning parents and grandparents out there thinking it might be cute to slip a scratch-and-win card or a ticket to the next billion-dollar jackpot in their child or grandchild’s stocking this Christmas, resist the urge, officials warn.
Apparently, you’re not the only ones thinking about introducing the underaged to grownup games of chance, to the point where the New Jersey Lottery — together with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey — have seen fit to launch a new festive season PSA, stating: “Tis the season to gift responsibly. Lottery is not child’s play.”
“While the law does not prohibit adults from giving tickets to minors, research suggests that this is not a good idea,” said New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James A. Carey Jr., according to NorthJersey.com.
To play the lottery in the Garden State, you must be 18 years old.
The new campaign includes a video and social media messaging, asking adults to refrain from encouraging minors to gamble, as they may not be mature enough to fully grasp the risks. Gambling has been known to be addictive even among those with developing brains.
“Adult problem gamblers frequently report beginning gambling during childhood, often at ages 9-10,” Felicia Grondin, said executive director of the CCGN.
“So this holiday season, if you choose to give a lottery ticket as a gift be sure to consider the age of the recipient. There is a reason why New Jersey has established minimum ages for gambling activities.”
