Scratch and win tickets: A joy to give, but not for kids 

The Risks of Youth Gambling

Giving kids lottery tickets may seem like harmless fun, but it can increase the risk of gambling problems later in life. Research shows that many adults with gambling problems started gambling as kids—often as young as 10 years old. In fact, children who experience gambling early, such as receiving scratch-and-win tickets as gifts, are four times more likely to develop gambling issues as they grow up.

Scratch-and-win tickets, raffles, and other lottery games are among the most common ways kids are exposed to gambling. While adults often see these gifts as lighthearted, kids may form positive associations with gambling early on, making it harder for them to make safer choices about gambling later.

Why Kids are More at Risk

Children’s brains are still developing, which makes it harder for them to understand risks and long-term consequences. Risk assessment skills don’t fully develop until adulthood. Kids also learn by observing adults—so if they see family members gambling, they’re more likely to think of it as normal behaviour. Research shows that children whose parents gamble are more likely to gamble themselves. Did you know, adolescents are twice as likely as adults to develop serious gambling problems.

Holiday Fun Without the Risk

As the holidays approach, it’s easy to find traditions that are fun for the whole family without introducing gambling. Here are some ideas:

• Singing carols and decorating the tree
• Reading stories by the fireplace
• Sipping hot cocoa after skating or sledding
• Making paper snowflakes and crafts
• Baking and decorating cookies

This season, choose to #GiftSmart. Scratch-and-win tickets may seem like fun, but they're not child's play. Protect young minds by keeping gambling products out of their hands.