TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Lottery and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. urged parents Monday to use good judgment when making holiday gift selections for their children. The New Jersey Lottery has joined the CCGNJ, National Council on Problem Gambling, and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University to build public awareness that lottery products are not an appropriate gift for minors.
“During the holiday season and throughout the year, the Lottery is deeply committed to the prevention of underage gambling and to responsible play. Based on industry best practices, we caution the public against gifting lottery tickets to children,” said NJL Executive Director Carole Hedinger. “New Jersey law requires lottery purchasers to be 18 years of age or older. While the law does not prohibit adults from giving tickets to minors, research suggests that this may not always be a good idea.”
“The New Jersey Lottery is a valuable partner with the Council in efforts to reinforce the message that parents and other adults should refrain from gifting lottery tickets to minors,” said Neva Pryor, executive director of the CCGNJ.
To reinforce the message, the Lottery crafted a holiday advertising campaign that includes the messaging, “Parents are urged to think twice about gifting lottery tickets to children.” The advertising campaign reiterates messaging that is present on the “Responsible Play” section of the Lottery’s website. The World Lottery Association awarded the campaign with the prestigious “Best Innovation in Responsible Gaming Award.” For this campaign, the Lottery was also awarded the National Council on Problem Gambling’s 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility Award.
“In 2016, the New Jersey Lottery was awarded with the WLA highest Responsible Gaming certification available in the industry, Level 4, acknowledging our achievements,” said Hedinger.
“I congratulate the Lottery on receiving the WLA Level 4 Certification in recognition of its significant efforts to prevent underage gambling and to promote responsible play,” said Pryor.
Since its inception in 1970, the New Jersey Lottery (NJLottery.com) has contributed nearly $25 billion to the State in support of education and institutions.
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By: Jay Edwards Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook
