REGION: Lottery advises not to give tickets to minors

The New Jersey Lottery has joined forces with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. to discourage the gifting of lottery tickets to minors this holiday season.

TRENTON – The New Jersey Lottery has joined forces with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. to discourage the gifting of lottery tickets to minors this holiday season.
   In recent a press release, lottery officials acknowledged lottery tickets are easy choices to slip into a gift or holiday card and are popular as stocking stuffers. However, officials also want to remind prospective ticket purchasers that state law requires lottery purchasers to be 18 years of age.
   While the law does not prohibit adults from giving tickets to minors, officials said research suggests this may not always be a good idea.
   According to a recent Yale University study, youngsters who received instant tickets as a gift tended to begin gambling earlier in life. Adult problem gamblers frequently report beginning gambling during childhood, often at ages 9-10 and with other family members.
   There also is strong evidence that 70-80 percent of adolescents has gambled for money in the past year, and 30 percent are gambling on a weekly basis.
   The council urges parents to use good judgment in making holiday gift selections for their children.
   ”Parents really can make a difference and reduce the risk of children developing gambling problems,” said Donald Weinbaum, executive director of the council. “Let’s send the right message this year and refrain from giving lottery tickets to young children.”
   New Jersey Lottery Executive Director Carole Hedinger echoed Mr. Weinbaum’s sentiments.
   ”The New Jersey Lottery has a longstanding commitment to promoting responsible play and discouraging underage gambling of any kind,” said Ms. Hedinger said. “We have an active partnership with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. and support their efforts to prevent underage gambling.”