BC Lottery Corporations’s annual holiday tradition continues – reminding  parents and adults that lottery products such as Scratch & Wins are a form of gambling, and not suitable gifts for children and minors.

This year’s #GiftSmart campaign encourages responsible play and responsible gift-giving through online and social media outreach, as well as through digital signage at more than 3,500 lottery retailers and all casinos and community gaming centres across the province.

BCLC points out lottery products make great stocking stuffers, but not for children and youth. It is important that parents and adults understand the impacts associated with underage gambling and the effects that exposure can have at a young age. 

Research has shown a correlation between the introduction of gambling products to those who are underage and potential problem gambling behaviour later in life. In fact, kids are more likely to gamble than to do drugs, smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, yet it is a topic that parents discuss less. 

Year-round, BCLC encourages parents to start a conversation with their children about the risks of gambling, but during the holiday season we’re reminding everyone to make a conscious decision not to give lottery products as gifts to kids and youth. 

Additional information is available on gamesense.com about the comprehensive programs in place to help players make informed choices about gambling. BCLC also encourages parents and other adults to access their Resources for Families section, which features tools and resources for parents to start a conversation with kids about gambling.  

BCLC’s campaign supports the National Council of Problem Gambling and McGill University’s Holiday Campaign, which encourages lotteries around the world to promote this important message.