Christmas shopping is in full swing and while lottery tickets are a common place stocking stuffer for adults, they shouldn’t be for kids.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is reminding parents and adults that all lottery products, including INSTANT tickets, are a form of gambling and are not suitable gifts for children and minors.
There is extensive free information and various resources available dealing with youth and gambling:
· The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) is 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.
- The Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use (GGTU) program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) supports addictions and mental health service providers through continuing professional development, digital tools and resources, and facilitating knowledge mobilization activities related to problem gambling, video gaming, and internet addiction.
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- The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), an independent non-profit organization focused on the prevention of problem gambling in Canada and worldwide, with information on Teens or Young Adults and gambling.