Texas Lottery Has One Holiday Gift Suggestion to Skip This Year

AUSTIN, TX — With the holiday season underway, the Texas Lottery is reminding shoppers that lottery tickets are unsuitable gifts for children.

Now in its 16th year of participation in the Gift Responsibly Campaign, the Texas Lottery is joining efforts with national and international organizations to raise awareness about the risks of underage gambling.

“As a high-level participant in the Gift Responsibly Campaign, we are deeply committed to promoting responsible gifting and gameplay,” said Ryan Mindell, the Texas Lottery’s executive director. “From the start, we’ve made it a priority to market and sell lottery products responsibly, ensuring they are intended solely for adults aged 18 and older.”

Research from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and McGill University highlights that early exposure to gambling can lead to problems later in life. This exposure often begins with lottery tickets gifted by unaware adults.

“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG executive director. “We applaud the Texas Lottery for its commitment to educating the community about these risks.”

The Texas Lottery plans to intensify its public messaging during the holiday season through in-store signage, its mobile app, and online platforms. Retailers across Texas are trained to comply with policies prohibiting ticket sales and prize redemptions for individuals under 18.

The agency’s efforts in responsible gambling have been recognized by the NCPG, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, and the World Lottery Association.

For more information on problem gambling, resources are available on the Texas Lottery’s website, app, and social media platforms.