British Columbia Lottery Corporation is aware that the season of giving is upon us and some important choices have to be made over the next few days. Gift-giving is a major point of the celebration, but problem gambling is an issue that should not be taken lightly. This is why the Crown corporation wants to remind that lottery tickets are an inappropriate gift for underage children even though they offer a chance for a good life.
Instant lottery tickets with their bright colors and imaginative designs are known to draw the attention of people of all ages. This is one of their main selling points after all and they simply achieve their goal. However, children appear to be fascinated by the premium look of some fo those tickets.
Problem Gambling is an Issue
Parents and adults are often drawn to the vast array of lottery offerings out there, as they have the potential to give a great start to their kid’s life. Having it easy with a grand cash prize at the very beginning of one’s life is perceived as everything a kid could wish for. It should be taken into account, however, that lottery offerings are created for adults only.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation issued a special reminder that children are not supposed to receive Scratch & Win tickets as Christmas presents or stocking fillers. Despite the attractive design they have, they still represent a form of gambling posing a threat to easily-impressionable young minds. Gambling addiction is a serious issue that should be battled at its very core – from an early age.
Dr. Jamie Wiebe, Director of Player Health for BCLC, reminded that instant lottery tickets are not made for children to scratch off and win. Exposure to any form of gambling at an early age is linked to devastating consequences for the individual at a later point of their lives. Kids that have been exposed to lottery offerings are more likely to become gambling addicts later on.
A Joy to Give but Not For Kids
Dr. Wiebe wants to make sure that adults understand the negative impact they could have on their children or kids in their friend circle with a single lottery ticket purchase. Their minds lack the capacity of risk evaluation and they could be drawn to the activity at an early age, eventually leading to its spiraling out of control.
Awareness is now raised with the annual #GiftSmart campaign. Every year British Columbia Lottery Corporation launches this special campaign with wide coverage across the province. British Columbians hear about it on the radio, on TV, as well as on various social platforms used on a daily basis. The GameSense #GiftSmart campaign comes with the slogan A joy to give but not for kids, highlighting on the positive nature of the tickets for adults.
As many as 3,500 locations sprinkled throughout British Columbia are going to participate in the informational campaign raising awareness. The campaign takes place both online and in land-based retail stores. More information on the subject could be found on gamesense.com where individuals could also learn about the extensive work put into BCLC’s problem gambling programs.
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