The Ontario Lottery and Gaming say giving lottery products to those 18 or under is not a good idea.
“all lottery products, including INSTANT tickets, are a form of gambling and are not suitable gifts for children and minors.” OLG said in a release.
Lottery products make great gift ideas for special occasions but are for adults only. It’s vital that parents and adults understand the proven risks and impacts associated with underage gambling. If you decide to buy lottery gifts for friends and family, please ensure the recipients are at least 18 years of age and older.
There is extensive free information and various resources available dealing with youth and gambling such as, the YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program. It’s a free service funded by Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to raise awareness among youth of gambling risks, how to make informed decisions, and healthy, active lifestyles. Other programs are the Responsible Gambling Council and the OLG Playsmart.ca
OLG has supported the National Council of Problem Gambling and McGill University’s Holiday Campaign for many years, which encourages lotteries in Canada, the United States and around the world to promote the important message that lottery products are not suitable for children.
