BCLC reminding residents about gambling responsibility

MERRITT – Scratch and lottery tickets are a popular and fun stocking stuffers around the holidays but the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is sending out a reminder.

The reminder is being directed towards kids, with the annual Gift Smart campaign.

“BCLC continues to promote healthy play and raise awareness about the risks of underage gambling, including through our annual #GiftSmart campaign,” said Peter ter Weeme, BCLC’s Chief Social Purpose Officer and Vice President, Player Experience.

This campaign is partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling and helps educate families about purchasing lottery products for children.

“The research continues to demonstrate that children who have early exposure to gambling experiences are much more likely to develop a gambling problem, and although it may seem like a fun stocking stuffer for kids during this time of year, we are reminding adults to only give lottery products to those aged 19 and older.”

According to the research done through this campaign, many young people have their first gambling experience at around nine to 11 years of age, and approximately 60 per cent of high-school-aged adolescents report having gambled for money in the last year. Further, 10 to 14 per cent of adolescents are at risk for developing a problem with gambling, while four to six per cent of youth presently have a serious problem with gambling.

More tips and advice about gambling can be found on the BCLC’s website.