Problem Gambling Network of Ohio urges responsible gifting for the holiday season
Sticking a lottery ticket in a stocking or holiday greeting card may be an easy way to give a gift; however, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) urges Ohioans to be careful when gifting. Lottery tickets should never be gifted to those under 18 or individuals who have experienced a problem with gambling.
While purchasing such items may be an easy, last-minute gift for someone, research shows that gifting lottery items could be triggering for those who experience problem gambling. The 2022 Ohio Gambling Survey found that 2.8 percent of Ohioans have a gambling addiction and 19.8 percent are at risk for developing problem gambling. Receiving lottery tickets, scratch-offs or other gambling items can cause harm to those in recovery and should be avoided altogether — and this goes for all ages.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 10-14 percent of adolescents are at-risk for developing a gambling problem, while 4-6 percent of adolescents are currently experiencing gambling-related harms. problem gambling. While youth gambling is against the law, often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
“Mitigating gambling-related harm is a core pillar of our advocacy work,” says Derek Longmeier, executive director of PGNO. “Though it may be tempting to purchase lottery scratch-off tickets as stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts, it’s important to remember that you could be putting someone in a vulnerable position without realizing.”
As forms of gambling continue to expand, problem gambling rates also rise. This holiday season, stick to more personal items such as gift cards to their favorite restaurant or toys for children.
The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 to assist individuals and loved ones affected by problem gambling. Help is available by calling 1-800-589-9966 or visiting GamblingHelpOhio.org.
About the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio: Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building a network of support for those impacted by gambling through collaboration, education and research. While PGNO does not take a position for or against legalized gambling, through partnerships with state agencies, regulators and operators, PGNO continually ensures a cohesive system for minimizing harm and growing Ohio’s gambling treatment workforce.