According to the results of several scientific studies, gambling experiences during early childhood are linked to the development of gambling problems later in life. Underage gambling has always been speculated to be a risk factor for gambling addiction and other forms of gambling-related harm. This is a pretty big deal especially considering how fast the online gambling industry has been growing as well as the increased accessibility of gambling services. Fortunately, something is being done.
The International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University in collaboration with the U.S. National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) took action by launching the Responsible Gambling Holiday Lottery Campaign. Since it was debuted way back in 2002, the responsible gambling campaign has done a pretty good job when it comes to promoting awareness about the risks that are associated with underage lottery gaming.
“The Responsible Gambling Holiday Lottery Campaign educates communities that lottery tickets, the form of gambling with the broadest participation, are not child’s play,” the NCPG’s Executive Director Keith Whyte commented.
Besides the very catchy tag line that reads “lottery tickets aren’t child’s play” the National Council on Problem Gambling is working really hard to promote responsible gambling. Ensuring that children or minors can grow into responsible adults is the first step towards achieving that.
Lots of Support
Over the years, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has received a lot of support from several bodies and organizations from all around the world. This year, the campaign is being backed by all of the existing US-based and Canadian lotteries as well as several international lotteries. There are even non-lottery organizations that are supporting the responsible gambling initiative.
The International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University is known for being at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at bringing to light core factors that relate to gambling issues among young people. Its efforts have been monumental in the fight to protect minors from the impacts of gambling-related harm since the campaign started. It has developed several award-winning prevention programs in addition to providing responsible gambling-related consultative assistance to agencies around the world.
The campaign has also been endorsed by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL). Needless to say, various industry stakeholders need to participate in the campaign as their involvement is vital to the overall results of the initiative.
