Event video: https://vimeo.com/378586261/b7e6dea797

Trenton (Dec. 10, 2019) – This holiday season, the New Jersey Lottery will partner with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey Inc. (CCGNJ), the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University to build public awareness that lottery products are not appropriate gifts for minors.

"Lottery tickets are popular stocking stuffers and easy choices to slip into a gift or holiday card. New Jersey law requires lottery purchasers to be 18 years of age. While the law does not prohibit adults from giving tickets to minors, we do not think it's a good idea and we urge the public not to do it," said New Jersey Lottery Acting Executive Director James A. Carey Jr.

To reinforce the concept, the Lottery crafted a holiday advertising campaign that includes the messaging, "Tis the season to gift responsibly. Lottery is not child's play." This advertising campaign reiterates the message on the "Responsible Play" section of the Lottery's website.

The CCGNJ and the Lottery work together throughout the year to discourage underage gambling and promote responsible gambling. Acknowledging the Lottery's achievements in responsible gaming, the World Lottery Association (WLA) has awarded the New Jersey Lottery with the highest responsible gaming certification available in the industry, Level 4.

According to CCGNJ Executive Director Neva Pryor, "The Lottery is a valuable partner with the Council in efforts to reinforce the message that parents and other adults should refrain from gifting lottery tickets to minors. The CCGNJ urges parents to use good judgment in making holiday gift selections for their children. Parents really can make a difference and reduce the risk of children developing gambling problems. Adult problem gamblers frequently report beginning gambling during childhood, often at ages 9-10. So this holiday season, if you choose to give a lottery ticket as a gift, be sure to consider the age of the recipient. There is a reason why New Jersey has established minimum ages for gambling activities.

About the New Jersey Lottery
Since its inception in 1970, the New Jersey Lottery (NJLottery.com) has contributed more than $28 billion to support New Jersey's financial obligations. Since 2012, the Lottery has been certified by the World Lottery Association as an industry leader in responsible gaming best practices. In 2016, New Jersey Lottery received the highest level of recognition awarded by the Association, the WLA Level 4 Responsible Gaming Framework Certificate of Accreditation, a distinction certifying that it applies responsible gaming principles in day-to-day operations.

About the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey Inc.Since 1983, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey Inc. has helped problem and compulsive gamblers and their families. The group was a pioneer in the compulsive gambling field and remains one of the leaders in providing professional and compassionate services to a wide range of audiences. The Council's mission is to provide prevention, education and referral services to anyone affected by this disorder. They operate the most widely recognized gambling help number in the nation, the 1-800- GAMBLER® Helpline. The help number is now available in 20 states and offers 24-hour, immediate, confidential assistance to anyone affected by gambling problems.

About the World Lottery Association
The World Lottery Association (WLA) is an international trade organization that serves the interests of state-authorized lotteries and suppliers to the global lottery industry. The WLA serves over 150 state lotteries and more than 75 lottery sector suppliers worldwide. WLA lottery members exist to support good causes in their respective jurisdictions through the sale of responsible, ethical, and entertaining gaming products.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The NCPG is the national advocate for problem gamblers and their families. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and works with all stakeholders to promote responsible gaming and public awareness about problem gambling and gambling addiction.

International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
The International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University has been at the forefront of research, prevention and treatment initiatives. Centre personnel offer prevention training and workshops internationally to support responsible gambling programs and provide an important component for harm-minimization strategies.