Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling and the Minnesota Lottery Continue their Efforts to Raise Awareness About the Risks of Youth Gambling and Youth Problem Gambling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1 , 2022
CONTACT:
Susan Sheridan Tucker
sstucker@mnapg.org
612-424-8595 x1
(Roseville, Minnesota)– The Minnesota Lottery and the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) announced today they are continuing their annual participation in the Gift Responsibly international responsible gambling campaign to raise awareness about the risks of buying lottery tickets for children. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.
Both organizations will promote the importance of responsible gambling through various media channels, joining the unified effort to raise awareness about this issue around Minnesota, the United States and North America.
Research shows that the earlier a person participates in gambling or is exposed to it in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Youth are often exposed to gambling through a lottery game given by an adult who may be unaware of the associated risks. “We are pleased to be partners in this campaign with the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling,” said Adam Prock, executive director of the Minnesota Lottery. “We understand the risks of youth gambling and caution that our products are designed specifically for adults.”
“Preventing youth gambling is a year-long effort, but during the month of December when gift giving is prevalent it’s an opportunity to remind adults that there are real risks in gifting a lottery ticket to a child,” says Susan Sheridan Tucker, executive director of MNAPG. “Children don’t understand the fundamentals of odds, and if they receive a winning ticket, the expectation is established that it will happen again.”
“Youth problem gambling has emerged as a significant and growing public health issue,” said Keith Whyte, executive director of NCPG. “We applaud the Minnesota Lottery and Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling’s for raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling through the Gift Responsibly campaign.”
Additional information can be found at http://mnapg.org/youth-gambling/, where visitors can learn more, order brochures or request a community presentation on a variety of issues relating to problem gambling and gambling addiction.
About Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling
About Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling
Minnesota Alliance on Problem is a nonprofit, gambling-neutral organization dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesotans affected by problem gambling. A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, MNAPG is funded by membership fees, financial and in-kind donations, and state and private grants. MNAPG serves as Minnesota’s affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling.
About Minnesota State Lottery
The Minnesota Lottery raises money for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. It offers uniquely Minnesotan games of chance that are held to the highest standard of integrity and security. Since 1990, the Lottery has returned more than $3.6 billion to programs that benefit all Minnesotans, including the state’s most precious natural resources, education, health care and more.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.
About International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University
For over 20 years, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University has been at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at identifying and understanding the critical factors related to youth gambling issues.