Video will be available on the NJ Lottery YouTube account.

Trenton (Dec. 1, 2021) - During this holiday season, the New Jersey Lottery has joined forces 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 an appropriate gift for minors. 

“Lottery tickets are popular stocking stuffers and easy choices as a gift to slip into a card. New Jersey law requires lottery purchasers to be 18 years of age. During the holiday season and throughout the year, the Lottery is deeply committed to the prevention of underage gambling,” said New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James A. Carey, Jr. 

To reinforce the concept, the Lottery is launching a holiday advertising campaign that includes the messaging, “Tis the season to gift responsibly. Lottery Tickets Aren’t Child’s Play.”  This advertising campaign underscores the message that is present on the “Responsible Play” section of the Lottery’s website. 

The CCGNJ and the Lottery continually work together throughout the year to discourage underage gambling and to promote responsible gambling. Acknowledging the Lottery’s achievements in Responsible Gaming and its efforts to prevent underage gambling, the World Lottery Association has awarded New Jersey Lottery its Level 4 Certification, the highest Responsible Gaming certification available in the industry. 

According to Felicia Grondin, executive director of CCGNJ, “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 Council is grateful to the Lottery for its commitment to the prevention of underage gambling. We urge parents to use good judgment in making gift selections for their children and to refrain from giving them lottery tickets.” 

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 State’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 World Lottery Association - 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 1-800GAMBLER® 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.