The holidays are here again, and for problem gamblers, this season can bring added stress—especially when money is already tight for food, family, and gifts. With the rising cost of everything from groceries to gas, it’s even more challenging to make ends meet. Each December, we join the Gift Responsibly Campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with gifting lottery tickets and other gambling-related gifts to minors.
This year, our tagline is Gifting Lottery Tickets is Gambling with Their Future. This initiative is part of the National Safe Toys and Gift Awareness Month and aims to educate about the dangers of gifting lottery tickets to youth. The Gift Responsibly Campaign was founded in the early 2000s by the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. In Florida, the minimum legal gambling age—including for lottery tickets and scratch-offs—is 18, and it’s 21 for slot machines, casino games, and sports betting. So, when choosing an inexpensive and easy gift for someone under 18, remember there are plenty of other great options available.
Today’s youth face growing risks when it comes to gambling, influenced by peer pressure, social media, and the increasing visibility of sports betting. Many of these advertisements are aimed at younger audiences, and research shows that those who begin gambling early are much more likely to develop serious gambling problems later in life.
Join the Movement
By embracing responsible gifting, you’re helping ensure that every child’s holiday is filled with joy, not risk. Share this message with friends and family, and help spread awareness by posting on social media with the hashtag #GiftResponsibly.
Visit the Gift Responsibly Campaign Landing Page to download our free Gift Responsibly Campaign social media graphic and Responsible Gifting Guide, which includes the facts about underage gambling and safe, meaningful alternatives for holiday giving.
The Risk Goes Beyond Youth
During the holidays, many of us attend parties with friends or coworkers that include Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchanges. While lottery scratch-offs might seem like a fun and easy anonymous gift, they can be harmful to someone struggling with gambling. You may not even realize that someone in your circle is dealing with this hidden addiction. For those battling gambling problems, alcohol problems, and even both at the same time, the stress of the season can push them to their breaking point — and that one lottery ticket or that one drink could have devastating consequences.
This Season Takes a Toll on Mental Health
Mental health challenges are increasing across all age groups, driven by financial strain, relationship difficulties, unemployment, rising living costs, and the influence of social media. For many, the pressure intensifies during the holidays and throughout the winter months. As the days grow darker and colder, people often socialize less, leading to loneliness and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). These factors can contribute to depression, increased gambling, and even thoughts of suicide.
If you find you are feeling this way because of your gambling or that of a loved one, please don’t hesitate to call or text the Florida Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT, where you are NEVER alone. Specialists are standing by 24/7 to provide confidential, multilingual, and personalized support – even during the holidays. If needed, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also be reached by calling or texting 988.
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