WASHINGTON, DC–The DC Lottery is helping to raise awareness of the risks of underage gambling this holiday season by reminding shoppers that scratch tickets and other lottery games are not suitable gift for minors. In partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the DC Lottery is leveraging its network of retailers, digital and social media channels and advertising assets to share the important message that lottery is not child’s play.

According to NCPG, young people report their first gambling experience on average around 9-11 years of age and approximately 80 percent of high-school age adolescents report having gambled for money during the past year.

The DC Lottery wants to ensure our staff, our retailers, and our players are doing all that we can to be attentive to this issue and prevent the occurrence of underage gambling during the holidays and throughout the year,” says Executive Director Beth Bresnahan. “While shoppers should appreciate the fun and excitement that accompanies the gift of lottery during the holiday season, we encourage all to be mindful of age appropriateness and to always gift responsibly. 

Throughout the holiday season, the DC Lottery will dedicate a portion of its media assets to heighten public attention to this matter including issue-specific point of sale placards placed in stores, using its website homepage and social media platforms, and out of doors advertising and digital signage, including presence at the Capital One Arena, and inside Union Station to promote the campaign.

In addition to efforts specific to this campaign, as a matter of business and in adherence to District of Columbia law, the DC Lottery strictly prohibits the sale of its games and participation in its promotions to persons under the age of 18. Lottery personnel routinely conduct spot inspections at retailer locations to enforce these restrictions and ensure adherence to DC Lottery rules and procedures regarding the sale of lottery games.

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