CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Lottery and the National Council on Problem Gambling are teaming up to raise awareness for the risks of youth gambling this holiday season. The New Hampshire Lottery and the National Council on Problem Gambling are collaborating this holiday season for a Gift Responsibly Campaign to remind the public holiday-themed scratch tickets and other lottery games are not appropriate for children under the age of 18.

“We want to share a critical reminder for gift givers that all lottery games, including holiday-themed games, are only for those 18 years of age and older,” said Charlie McIntyre, Executive Director, New Hampshire Lottery. “While lottery games and scratch tickets are great gifts, they should not be gifted to minors. There are many risks to gifting underage people lottery tickets and it is critically important the New Hampshire Lottery and the National Council on Problem Gambling work together to keep lottery games in the appropriate hands.”

The New Hampshire Lottery restricts underage lottery play by including a printed reminder on each product showing all players must be 18 to play. New Hampshire Lottery retailers are also trained to verify lottery game customers’ ages with a photo ID prior to finalizing a sale.

The National Council on Problem Gambling developed the Gift Responsibly Campaign to educate communities about the dangers of buying lottery tickets for children, to raise awareness for the risks of youth gambling and to support responsible gambling practices. More than 150 lotteries and community organizations from around the world participated in the Gift Responsibly Campaign in 2023.