While the season of gift giving is here, the Virginia Lottery and the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) encourage players to gift responsibly. When giving lottery tickets as gifts, make sure you keep the person’s age in mind. It is against state law to give lottery tickets to minors.
The Lottery is complementing its message this year with a radio public service announcement (PSA) entitled “Scrooge,” which will air statewide.
“We at the Virginia Lottery strive to present our games in the most responsible manner possible,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall. “While lottery tickets can be fun gifts for adults, it is important to remember that they are not intended for minors.”
“The earlier in life a young person starts to gamble, the more likely they are to develop gambling problems later on,” said Carolyn Hawley, Ph. D., VACPG President. “So during this time of giving, please remember that lottery tickets are not toys. They are for adults only.”
This is the 13th year that the Virginia Lottery has teamed up with VACPG, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University, and dozens of other lottery corporations around the globe to increase public awareness this holiday season about the impact of giving lottery products as gifts to children.
Authorized by Virginia voters in a successful 1987 referendum, the Virginia Lottery generates more than $1.6 million per day for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, lottery customers helped generate more than $595 million dollars in funding for public education. For more information, visit the Virginia Lottery’s Giving Back page, visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and check us out on YouTube. With all gaming, please remember to play responsibly.
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization seeking to increase the education, prevention, and treatment efforts surrounding problem gambling within the state of Virginia. The VACPG is neither for nor against legalized gambling. If you or someone you know has a concern about gambling, please call the 24-hour helpline at 1 888-532-3500. The call is free and confidential.
