As the rush for purchasing holiday gifts increases, state and national experts are warning adults not to buy gambling-related products for children. According to a 2021 survey by the National Council on Problem Gambling, 4–5% of kids have a gambling disorder and another 13–14% are showing problematic behavior that puts them at-risk.
“Gambling products are limited to adults for a reason,” said Wiley Harwell, executive director of the Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming (OAPGG). “A young person’s brain isn’t developed enough to understand the risk involved in gambling. If a young person receives a lottery ticket from a trusted adult, that gives them the wrong message that gambling is a safe activity.”
As with any adult product, such as alcohol or cigarettes, gambling products should be limited to adult use. Gambling products include things like lottery tickets, poker sets, or gift cards to sports betting apps. None of these are good gifts for anyone under 18. Young people should not associate holidays or special occasions with gambling, because that can lead to problems later on.
Most teens report that their first gambling experience was between the ages of 9 to 11, much lower than the recommended age. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a young person by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks. Unfortunately, receiving a gambling-related gift from a trusted adult can give youth the impression that gambling is safe for them.
Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. In fact, one of the worst things that can happen is that a child gets a winning ticket, giving them the impression that they are lucky or that another win is likely.
If you or a loved one needs help with problems related to gambling, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER.