Think before gifting lottery tickets this holiday season

By Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling Think before gifting lottery tickets this holiday season Gambling is not child’s play. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): “Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or even exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life.” It is inappropriate to gift lottery tickets or other gambling items to children. With gambling expanding in Kentucky with legal sports betting joining the other forms of legal gambling in the state – parimutuel wagering on horse races, historical horse racing, charitable gaming (bingos and raffles), and the lottery – the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) notes the anticipated increase in persons seeking help for a gambling problem or addiction already is happening. “From September, when sports betting started in Kentucky, to October, the number of callers to the 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) helpline doubled to an average of almost two calls every day,” KYCPG Executive Director Michael R. Stone said. As the holidays approach, Stone noted gambling-related items are not appropriate gifts for children. As noted, early participation is an important risk factor in a person developing a gambling problem or addiction. “Make no mistake, Kentucky youth gamble, and they do not need adult encouragement,” Stone said, pointing to the 2018 pre-pandemic Kentucky Incentives for Prevention (KIP) survey of at-risk behaviors among youth in Kentucky’s public schools. Thirteen percent of sixth graders already had gambled for money or possessions. One-quarter of seniors had gambled. Two percent reported signs of gambling addiction. “Think about it for a minute. Would you buy a sixth grader a pack of cigarettes? Would you buy a sophomore a bottle of whiskey? Gambling also is an age-appropriate, age-controlled activity,” Stone said. “Let’s also note the increase in electronic game playing is leading in some instances to transferring an innocent activity to a compulsive addiction. “Now, with mobile applications, many young people have access to gambling on their phones. Two significant factors for developing a gambling problem are access and availability. Mobile applications make access and availability easy. “KYCPG is not anti-game or anti-gambling. KYCPG does stress the need for responsibility and parental supervision when it comes to gambling and other risky behaviors. Adult behaviors should stay with adults,” Stone explained. “Besides, it’s against the law for persons under 18 years old to buy a lottery ticket, place a sports wager, or bet on a horse race.” KYCPG reminds everyone that if they think their gambling may becoming a problem, a basic self-test is available at www.kygamblinghelp.org. Individuals can text or speak to a trained telephone counselor at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-425-2537). The counselors can provide more information on problem and addicted gambling, or referrals to certified gambler counselors or Gamblers’ Anonymous. Information on Youth Gambling from NCPG: Many young people report their first gambling experience occurs around 9-11 years of age. More and more youth are exposed to the availability and accessibility of many forms of gambling at even younger ages and are tempted by the pressures to participate. Youth problem gambling is a growing public health concern. Even though gambling activities are legally restricted to adults, and laws for purchase, play and redemption vary by state, there is clear evidence that underage youth continue to actively participate in gambling. Nationally, 4-6 percent of adolescents presently have a serious problem with gambling. Nationally, 10-14 percent of adolescents are at risk of developing a problem with gambling. White male adolescents gamble more frequently than females. Female adolescents are more actively involved in lottery play. If you or someone you know believes there may be a gambling problem or addiction, the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addictions, which is affiliated with Harvard Medical School, advises asking yourself these three questions: During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling? During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled? During the past 12 months did you have such financial trouble as a result of your gambling that you had to get help with living expenses from family, friends or welfare? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” help may be needed.