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State of Play
- The Texas Lottery Commission has issued a crucial warning against gifting lottery tickets to children, highlighting the risk of future gambling addiction.
- This advisory is part of their 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, emphasizing the importance of responsible gifting during the holiday season to protect young individuals from early gambling exposure.
The Texas Lottery Commission is warning on the potential long-term dangers of allowing children access to lottery tickets, especially scratch-offs.
Studies indicate that early exposure to gambling activities can significantly increase the likelihood of developing problem gambling behaviors later in life.
The commission notes that many adults unknowingly contribute to this risk by giving lottery tickets as gifts to minors. In response, the commission has launched the Gift Responsibly Campaign for 2025, which aims to prevent children from receiving these tickets.
Early gambling can produce problems later on
Courtney Arbour, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, emphasized the state’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling and ensuring that lottery purchases and prize claims remain restricted to adults.
This warning signals increased awareness around the impacts of gambling at a young age. Operators and regulators are intensifying efforts to curtail underage exposure, reinforcing age restrictions on lottery purchases.
Players and their families are encouraged to understand the risks of early gambling engagement and utilize support resources if concerns arise. To assist those struggling with gambling addiction, the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) offers confidential 24/7 support connecting callers to local health services and assistance programs.
The Texas Lottery is one of only a few ways Texans can gamble in the state. Sports betting and real-money online casinos remain illegal.
Based on reporting by Mack Shaw for Fox26 Houston.
