The BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is once again reminding adults that it’s okay to be a Grinch when it comes to removing lottery products from kids’ shopping lists and stockings.
While they can make great gifts for grown-ups, and may seem like harmless fun for kids, research has shown that early participation in, or exposure to, gambling in childhood can lead to the likelihood of developing a gambling problem later in life, and that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
Studies also show that 10 to 14 per cent of adolescents are at risk for developing a problem with gambling, while four to six per cent of youth ages 12–17 are presently impacted by problem gambling. Children who receive things like scratch-and-win tickets as gifts are four times more likely to develop gambling issues as they grow up.
Children’s brains are still developing, which makes it harder for then to understand concepts such as risk or long-term consequences; risk assessment skills don’t fully develop until adulthood. Kids also learn by observing adults, so if they see family members gambling, they’re more likely to think of it as normal behaviour.
That’s why parents should have conversations with their kids about gambling, which can be as simple as explaining to a child, during a visit to an amusement park, that just because money was paid to get a chance to win a stuffed animal, it doesn’t mean they are guaranteed to win.
Tailor the conversation to your child’s age and interests. For example, if they like video games, talk to them about loot boxes and how the outcome is random, and the risks that they can pose. Tell them about the hidden signs of a problem, like hiding debt or skipping classes, and lead by example: kids learn from parents.
Those under the age of 18 are not allowed to purchase lottery tickets of any kind in B.C., and they are not allowed to claim a prize, but it is not illegal to give lottery tickets to children. Although lottery products such as scratch-and-win tickets and games might seem like a fun stocking stuffer for kids at this time of year, BCLC reminds adults that lottery products should only be given to those aged 19 and older.
Learn more about how to be #GiftSmart at www.gamesense.com, which includes resources for families including tools, ideas, and further information for parents.
