The Maryland Lottery is reminding holiday shoppers to practice responsible gifting this season by ensuring lottery tickets are only given to individuals aged 18 and older. As part of its commitment to responsible gaming, the Maryland Lottery has joined the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Gift Responsibly Campaign, an annual initiative focused on educating the public about the potential risks of exposing children to gambling.
Clear Message on Age Restrictions Lottery tickets are legally restricted to individuals aged 18 and above in Maryland. To reinforce this, the Maryland Lottery has enhanced its messaging with “18+” signage in retail locations and on video displays in self-service vending machines. These measures aim to remind customers of the age restriction during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year.
“We’re very careful about reviewing the games we launch and the images we use in our marketing efforts to make sure we aren’t appealing to children,” said John Martin, Director of Maryland Lottery and Gaming. “Lottery tickets are a great gift idea for adults, but a lot of people may not know about the documented impact that exposure to gambling can have on children.”
Risks of Early Gambling Exposure
The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling highlights the dangers of exposing minors to gambling. Research indicates that early exposure to gambling-related activities may increase the likelihood of developing gambling problems later in life.
“Although it may not seem significant on the surface, giving Lottery tickets to minors can actually increase their risk for developing a gambling problem later in life,” said Jasmine Countess, Maryland Lottery and Gaming’s Responsible Gaming Director. “Adults should not encourage or facilitate underage gambling, and should remember that Lottery tickets are not the right gift for kids.”
Alarming Statistics
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 15% of Maryland high school students reported gambling within the past year. Additionally, while around 4% of Maryland adults identify as problem gamblers, the percentage is believed to be higher among youth, reflecting the importance of preventive measures.
Strengthening Responsible Gaming Efforts
The Maryland Lottery continues to support responsible gaming through comprehensive employee and retailer training, as well as educational programs in collaboration with the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling. In December, the Lottery will apply for the Sustaining Level—the highest recognition—within the Responsible Gambling Verification Program. This program, operated jointly by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, requires participating organizations to continuously enhance their responsible gaming initiatives.
Educational Resources Available
For individuals interested in learning more about responsible gaming, the Maryland Lottery provides educational materials and videos on its Responsible Play page at mdlottery.com.