Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) is discouraging the use of lottery and scratch tickets as gifts and stocking stuffers for youngsters.
Throughout the month of December, AGLC’s social media channels and points of sales at lottery retailers will focus on the issues of buying lottery products for minors.
Since 1975, when the Alberta Government first introduced lottery products, minors have been excluded from purchasing or cashing tickets. Research shows that the earlier an individual begins to gamble, there’s a greater chance of developing gambling problems later in life.
“Our Minors’ Awareness campaign is designed to educate gift givers and lottery retailers, reminding them that lottery tickets are not a suitable gift for children,” says Kandice Machado, AGLC president and CEO.
“The province’s lottery industry and the general public are key partners in preventing underage gambling among Alberta’s youth.”
AGLC has several resources available for patrons that may wish to further explore responsible gambling, such as
GameSense, which provides players additional support related to how the games work, including odds and randomness. GameSense Advisors are also available at all Alberta casinos and racing entertainment centres.
The Self-Exclusion Program gives players the opportunity to exclude themselves for a period of up to three years from land-based venues and PlayAlberta.ca.
If you or someone you know may require additional gambling support, contact the Alberta Health Services Addiction Line at 1-866-332-2322.