Change the Game Ohio: Why Lottery Tickets Are Not Safe Holiday Gifts for Kids

Change the Game Ohio, a statewide public awareness and education initiative focusing on prevention of youth gambling and raising awareness of risks associated with the activity, encouraged adults to take a closer look at the gifts they give children. The campaign comes ahead of the holiday season, asking adults to take a closer look at the gifts they give to kids.

Although such gifts are seen by adults as harmless stocking stuffers, experts in Ohio warn about the unintended risks related to such presents, especially when they are received by children. Instead of lottery and scratch-off tickets, Change the Game Ohio encourages adults to consider alternatives that foster creativity and entertainment away from screens, such as board games, puzzles, books and educational trips, as well as various real-life experiences like sports events, museum tours and movie tickets, among other things.

Derek Longmeier, the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio’s executive director, spoke about the dangers of gifting children lottery tickets. "Parents and caregivers may not always recognize how certain gifts can introduce young people to gambling or gambling-like behaviors," he explained. "Whether it's a lottery ticket, a scratch-off, or video game gift cards, it's important to recognize the potential risks behind what may seem like harmless fun," Longmeier added.