The holiday season is fast approaching, and the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has launched its annual holiday campaign reminding shoppers to think twice about whose stocking they might be stuffing. Are you purchasing lottery tickets or Scratch & Wins as stocking stuffers? If you are, please make sure they are going to someone who is of legal age to receive them.
A couple weeks ago for the first time ever our oldest daughter noticed the sparkly cards at the grocery store as I was returning an item. She immediately started asking about them. I would never have thought that I’d have to explain what Scratch & Win cards are to a preschooler! To her, they were simply paper with pretty holiday pictures and a whole lot of glitter. Yes, here I was explaining to her what gambling is.
Many give and receive lottery tickets, including Scratch & Wins, as a gift over the holiday season. While scratching a ticket in hopes of a prize definitely feels like child’s play, BCLC would like to remind everyone that they are anything but that – lottery tickets are still a form of gambling and shouldn’t be given to kids under 19.
Giving kids lottery tickets may seem like it is harmless enough, but research has shown many adult problem gamblers report starting to gamble at an early age, some as young as 10. Of the many risk factors associated with problem gambling, gambling at a young age is one of the most significant.
In fact, kids are gambling at an early age, with research showing that 43% of those surveyed have gambled in the past year. Kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less educated on the subject. Young minds are still developing and are less capable of risk assessment. With kids, young people, seeing things like gambling as glamorous thanks to Hollywood movies, they think it is simply something exciting and in turn ignore the negative outcome that can come from it.
So the next time you pop by your local lotto retailer for a few last minute gifts, remember to keep the (underage) kids in your life off that particular list. Also, start having a conversation with them about gambling while they are young. Your kids are inundated with the promotion of gambling when they see the lottery tickets and Scratch & Win cards in the store, to the advertisement of casinos and playing poker online and on TV. It’s everywhere. Help prepare your kids to make responsible choices.
BCLC encourages parents to visit GameSense for Parents to learn more tools and supports to start a conversation with kids about gambling. While these conversations may seem like they don’t need to start at a young age, they do.
One reader of Discovering Parenthood will win a $100 gift card to Chapters Indigo thanks to BCLC. Giveaway is open to Canadians only and will be closed on December 25th with a winner drawn the next day.
Go visit the BCLC GameSense for Parents site and tell us one fact you learned in the comments here. Visit the rafflecopter below to officially enter and see the bonus entry options, good luck everyone who enters!
We would love to have you follow us on social media, find us here:
Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Pinterest
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and some content for this post was provided to us by BCLC.
We were compensated for sharing this information with you.
We firmly believe in the importance of this message.
Please give responsibly this Christmas season!
No, I won’t be having a conversation with my kids (4 and 9) about gambling, not this year anyway. They really don’t get exposed to it much (we don’t gamble; we only ever buy a couple of scratch tickets for some adult family members at Christmas for stockings; our lotto booth at the grocery is placed far from where we check out, shop etc.; we only watch commercial-free TV; they don’t use the computer aside from my oldest in computers class at school which is internet-free…), so I think if I brought it up I would be introducing them to the concept before necessary.
Depending on a childs age I think it is important to talk to kids about gambling. I will not be talking to my children yet who are 4 and 7, probably when they are teenagers.
yes, my children are young adult and young teen.. very important to talk to them about gambling! I actually have talked alot about it with my young adult son for awhile now!
We will talk about it. Those redemption games at kids play places are a form of gambling (you spend money for the chance of winning something worth more than the money you put into it). We also have family members with gambling problems. So it’s important to discuss the issues around it.
Definitely. Its an addiction that can ruin lives of anyone close to you.
Yes, my children are a little older and I’ve never really thought about talking to them about gambling. Good time to start!
We haven’t yet, but when they’re older, I will. It’s always better for the topic to come up at home than to be introduced by peers.
This is a very important topic to talk about with kids. Mine’s an adult now and she understands the risks!
One fact from the GameSense for Parents Page that I learned:
Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
Wow — that’s so young! Parents definitely need to have a conversation with their children on this topic!
I don’t really understand the thrill of lottery tickets. There are so many different forms of gambling hidden in our world. It’s unnerving.
Didn’t realize there was a specific question to answer. Haha!
Yes we will be talking about gambling to our kids! I have no idea when. When the opportunity presents itself, like it did for you guys.
Great idea for an article! We don’t gamble often in our house, but we do give and receive scratch and wins on our birthdays. I let my daughter scratch a few and then I thought, what am I do here?
my son is too young but when hes older i qwill and wow i did not no that some kids start gambling at 10 wow. the watch for sings has good tips as well
Yes informing children and teens about gambling is important so they can make responsible choices when they are an adult.
Wow, I just went to the GambleSense for Parents site and learnt worldwide the average problem gambler started at 10 years old. I’m 36 and have still never brought a scratch card! Interesting read, I will certainly talk to my children when the time is right.
Such a great info about talking to kids about gambling. I will definitely be doing that with my 4 kids.
I like their statement about the difference between skill-based games versus gambling where the outcome is random and chance-based.
Learned that kids are exposed to gambling images almost every day — from the corner store that sells lottery tickets to TV ads for poker and the local casino!
What I learned is that exposure to gambling is everywhere, especially advertising on television.
Wow I learned that the average person with a gambling addiction started around the age of 10! That’s shocking. My kids are in their teens and although I rarely gamble I will for sure be having a conversation with them!
I think talking to your kids is a great thing. Everything from gambling to drugs etc. We needs to be open and honest and teach them right from wrong.
Talk about it. Conversation is important
I learnt that you shouldn’t give tickets to kids because some of them become addicted. it’s an interesting perspective never really thought of it
I learned that there is a difference between skill-based games and gambling. One is based on random and the other is on chance.
i learned that the average gambler starts at 10 yo..yikes!
I learned that “Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10” !!! Scary and shocking!! 🙁
I also learned that “Kids are exposed to gambling images almost every day — from the corner store that sells lottery tickets to TV ads for poker and the local casino” = same it is all around them 🙁
I learned that gambling addiction starts as young as 10 year old. Also that children are expose to gambling image everyday through commercial and stores. That is scary!
I learnt that kids are exposed to gambling images everyday and gambling addiction starts as young as 10 years old! yikes.
We never really talk about gambling, but then again, we only buy lotto ticket once in a while and go to the casino a couple time a year. I guess that is something to talk about. I never realise that addiction start so young.
This is a very important topic!
I learned you need to be 19 for lotto; I think I used to be able to buy them at 16!
I learned that the website gives some good tips on how to open the conversation about gambling with your teenagers or kids.
I was shocked to read that the average age that a child is starting to gamble is 10! I always thought that the age for lottery is 18.. not 19…
The average age kids start gambling is 10! that’s insane! they shouldn’t even know what a gamble is!
I would never give a lottery ticket to a child… however after reading this blog… I will definetly be discussing gambling with my friends 11 year old… thank you
It was difficult to read that gambling in kids starts at about 10 years of age! That’s terrifying
The average problem gambler started at age 10!
The best thing you can do is demonstrate responsible gambling habits. At a local womens’ show, I’m thinking it was BCLC had a booth about gambling, they asked my 17 yr. old grandaughter about lotto 649, she had no idea! She knew what is was, but had never seen a ticket. She’s a smart cookie, but I can see little ones interested in the glittery cards!
I learned that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
I had no idea how prevalent this problem is in kids. More kids gamble than they do drink or smoke?? I’m so surprised.
i learned that many more kids are gambling as opposed to smoking & drinking! that is crazy, i had no idea
I learned that the average problem gambler starts around the age of 10, a lot younger than I would of thought.
I learned that gambling addition starts as young as 10.
I visited the site and learned that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
Gambling can start at age 10. Phew so young
I never considered that gambling would be an alternative to smoking. And that children were starting young. I wonder if pokemon trading cards play into the “gambling” category. It may not include money but I have seen a few heated exchanges with school children which is why they are banned at my school age program
I am shocked to learn that Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. I have 5 boys between 6-22 and I had no idea.
WOW i learned that Kids are gambling at an early age. Research shows that 43% of those surveyed have gambled in the past year and kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke
I learned that the early gambler starts at age 10
wow most problematic gamblers started as young as 10 years old
Kids who say their parents have gambled in the past year are significantly more likely to participate in gambling activities themselves.
I learned that it is very important to talk to kids about gambling!
Early gambling starts at 10! Yikes!
I learned that kids as young as ten start becoming addicted to gambling. That’s crazy and very sad!
I that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. That is alarming.
kids start gambling at 10
I learned that kids brains are still developing and less capable of assessing the risks of gambling… that they see gambling as exciting & will often ignore the negative outcomes.
I learned that early gambling starts at 10.
one fact i learned is that 43% of kids surveyed in B.C. reported that they had gambled in the past year.
I learned that kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke.
I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
I learned that Kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less educated on the subject.
I learned the average gambler starts at age 10.
I learned….Kids who say their parents have gambled in the past year are significantly more likely to participate in gambling activities themselves.
I learned gambling can start as young as 10!
I learned that kids are exposed to gambling images everyday.
Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
I learned that kids are exposed to gambling images everyday. That doesn’t really surprise me though as gambling comes in so many different forms and if we as adults don’t have a problem with gambling we tend not to see it. I will talk to them about gambling when they are a little older…
I learned Kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less educated on the subject.
that the average kid starts gambling at 10 years of age
That by the age of 10 he can start to develop the habits, def going to pay more attention to those harmless looking scratch tickets.
I leaned that kids who say their parents have gambled in the past year are significantly more likely to participate in gambling activities themselves.
I learned that many problem gamblers started gambling when they were 10 years old.
I’m shocked that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
I learned that kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke
I learned that kids are more likely to gamble then drink or smoke.
We don’t gamble at all (not even scratch tickets) but when the opportunity arises to talk about it (and I know that it will), I will talk openly to my kids about it (they’re currently 6). Education is power.
Besos Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I learned that kids start gambling really young, and it can be a big problem! Thanks for helping to promote awareness!
I learned that kids are more likely to gamble than drink, smoke or do drinks. I had no idea!
I learned that the problem gamblers started gambling at around 10 years old!.
Who knew gambling can start so young! Great article!
I learned that kids are exposed to gambling images every day. At first I thought that couldn’t be right but the more I think about it, the more I realize it is true.
~Jonnie
Wow, the average problem gambler starts gambling at age 10!
I learned kids are more likely to gamble then drink or smoke, its definitely addicting, I havent talked to my kids about it yet but as they get older I will
I was shocked to learn that most people with a gambling problem started when they were about 10.
That gambling can start as early as age 10. WOW!
Shocked to learn that a problem gambler can start as early as age 10.
surprised that gambling addiction starts at the young age of 10
That gamblers can start as early as 10 yrs old
I learned that kids are exposed to gambling images every day
I was shocked to learn that an addiction to gambling can begin at 10 years of age.
i’m shocked that kids are gambling:(
Actually I’m not shocked it can start at age of ten. The way the cards are printed, is really eye catching. Some parents also make their kids pick the lucky card. Thats a big mistake. That can start the early addiction.
I also learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
Yes , important conversation to have with kids
Gambling has started at even a younger age than I thought
I learned that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
I learned that most problem gambles started gambling at age 10
I learned that Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.I can believe it, I used to go to the mall and buy scratch & wins to gamble with my grandpa. It was how we passed the time in the day and I was quite young. Probably younger than 10.
I was surprised to learn that most problem gamblers started gambling at the age of 10! So young.
I learned that gambling can start as young as 10. Blows my mind. I wouldn’t have even considered that to be a problem for children online! What an eye-opener.
I learned there is a gamblers helpline to call.
i learned that kids as young as 10 are already gambling!!
I read that we should talk to our kids early about gambling
I learned that many problem gamblers start as young as 10 years old.
The site said that problem gamblers start as early as 10.
I learned that Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. WOW!
Reading the game sense site, it says the average problem gambler starts at age 10. That means that for every one that started older than that, one started younger! Yikes!
Interesting that as young as 10 years can develop a problem.
I learned that kids are gambling as early as ten! WOW id dint even know what gambling was until my 20’s. Must have lived under a rock!
you can develop a gambling problem even as young as age 10
I learned that it is important to talk to kids about gambling so they know the difference between games and gambling.
I never really had a talk about gambling with my kids, I only bought tickets once in awhile and they saw me play and helped me. But they knew they cost money and it was something we only did occasionally. Now that they are old enough to buy them they rarely do.
it’s never too early to start talking about gambling. I never thought that it could be a problem at such a young age
I learned that 43% of kids in BC had gambled in the past year, I had no idea the number would have been that high. I would have guessed 10% or less. I will definitely be discussing gambling with my kids!
I was very surprised to learn that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
I learned that gambling problem could start at age 10. Scary!!
The average problem gambler starts at age 10…wow, who knew.
Wow! With my oldest being 10 years old I had no idea the average age for problem gambling begins then. She’s still playing with dolls!
I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10! WOW
I learned that studies that were conducted worldwide have found that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
Londia
One thing I learned is that the average problem gambler started at age 10.
I am stunned to learn that the average problem gambler is 10 years old! Wow! Knowing this fact alone has convinced me of the importance of open communication with the kids and to talk about how this could potentially ruin any young gambler.
Good to know! I never would have thought this was a conversation I would need to have with my kids. They are too young for this conversation right now, but I’ll keep it in mind for the future.
Learned that gambling addiction starts early. 10 years old I was stunned. Talking with children is so important
I learned that problem gambling can start as young as the age of 10.
I learned that gambling is everywhere. It’s on TV and advertising that young kids see. I also learned that gambling can start at the young age of 10.
The average gambler started gambling at 10 years old!
I learned “Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.”
I learned that problems with gambling can start as young as ten years old!
I learned that “Kids are gambling at an early age, with research showing that 43% of those surveyed have gambled in the past year”
Kids see gambling images during their days & it’s important to talk to them about it.
I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
It’s so crazy that the addiction can start as early as 10! Never thought it started that young.
Some pretty shocking statistics!
I would have never thought of gambling addiction at such an early age.
Well I think the most startling fact is that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. I never would have guessed that!
I am so surprised that the addiction to gambling can start at the age of 10. I will be talking about this with my girls as a result.
We have age appropriate talks in regards to gambling.
I have a cousin who had a gambling addiction at about 13 years old – arcade games I think – so I know it’s important to have that conversation with kids younger than you think.
I learned that kids as young as 10 can be addicted to gambling and that is mind boggling.
I had no idea that problem gambling starts at 10 years old
The average gambler started gambling at the age of 10. Wow. That’s young.
I just checked out the gamesense site, and a great tip that they have is to talk to kids about skill based games, where practice can pay off, versus gambling where the outcome is chance. You can reach your dreams, but you need to work for it!
Thank you for the chance.
Wow! The average age to start gambling for problem gamblers is 10! I did not realize that. My kids are only 2 and 5 so I’ll wait a bit to talk to them about gambling, but I’ll definitely keep that number in mind.
I can’t believe that some kids start gambling at 10, that’s crazy! I can’t even imagine!
I was shocked to learn that the some kids start gambling at the age of 10!! Wow!!
I think it is our responsibility as parents to have these important conversations to try and avoid future addiction and to guide them the best we can.
you need to talk to children at a young age about gambling
Ou kids are exposed to gambling media all the time and it can turn into an addiction as early as 10.
It is very important to speak to them about gambling because even when we dont think they are being exposed they are even by the radio and friends
I learned how much kids are exposed to from all around them!
scratch and win tickets, poker and betting on an outcome of a game are most prevalent under 18 year olds
I learned that gambling addiction can start as young as 10!
I learned that gambling can start as young as 10 and that kids are exposed to gambling images etc every day. I remember doing the pull tabs as a kid!
Well I don’t buy lottery tickets, but I should would LOVE a gift card to Chapters:)
I learned that most kids start around age 10, which I guess makes sense to me. I also was given scratch tickets to “play” as a kid, but obviously couldn’t redeem them and didn’t actually get the money. But I enjoy them to this day so I would imagine there’s some truth to the warnings about giving them to kids. Lucky for me I’m not overly into it, but I see how it happens.
I learned the Problem Gambling Help Line #
1-888-795-6111
I learned that gambling can start as early as 10.
Set a budget and stick to it
I read that the average gambler started at age 10 (that is crazy!)
Kids who see parents gamble are more likely to gamble themselves
I learned that the average age of a gambler is age 10. It’s so disappointing & sad of a statistic.
I think if starting to talk about how gambling can have so many negative consequences on a persons life could be a very good idea.
The average problem gambler’s age fact really surprised me. According to that website we (even without thinking about it) did everything we could to protect our kids. Thant’s a comforting thought.
I learned that the types of gambling activities with the most participation by kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets, poker and betting on the outcome of a game.
I learned that the average age to start gambling is 10
Kids are exposed to gambling images almost every day — from the corner store that sells lottery tickets to TV ads for poker and the local casino.
I never thought about that.
I learned that it starts so young. It’s scary.
i got scared with the 43% of kids gambled
You can download the GameSense for Parents brochure to learn more about kids and gambling
Had no idea that 43% of kids surveyed have gambled in the last year!
I think it’s an important subject to bring up with children. Their curious minds always want to know! It’s important we’re educating them & helping them make informed decisions.
We love chapters!!
I’m shocked that gambling is more prevalent than alcohol. Would have thought that was the highest right next to drugs and smoking. Scary fact.
The gift of reading is something we all need to highly value.
It can be considered the foundation of success
Thank you indigo/chapters!
I learned that its smart to bring the conversation up naturally, like when watching poker on TV or during the announcement about the latest lottery winner.
Gambling is when you wager money.
I will make sure to talk to our baby about gambling when she’s old enough to understand
Start the conversation with the child when they understand money. From the site I learned that they can get addicted as young as 10!
Actions speak louder than words. That’s so important to remember.
I learned that our kids are exposed to gambling images almost every day. I’ve never really thought about that before, but there’s so many ads on TV & the internet for gambling that kids are exposed to.
Let kids know about your expectations about gambling and your reasons for them
I learned that a problem gambler starts at age 10
I learned that kids as young as ten are starting to gamble.That was shocking!! I think
it`s very important to start talking to them about the gambling and how addicting it can be.
kids see activities exciting, but do not understand the negative consequences
Use your GameSense by arming yourself with good information — how gambling works and the common myths.
Smart to know more.
I learned that gambling starts really young, on average at the age of 10.
I learned that The types of gambling activities with the most participation by kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets, poker and betting on the outcome of a game..
I learned that the average gambler start at age 10. Wow!!
I learned that kids’ brains are still developing & less capable of assessing gambling risks.. That they see gambling as exciting & often ignore the potentially negative outcomes.
I learned that kids start gambling as early at 10 years old!
watch for signs of gambling. Money, possessions go missing. Has friends that are gambling
I learned that the types of gambling kids under 18 gravitate toward are Scratch & Win tickets, poker & betting on the outcome of a game.
I learned that children can become addicted as early as 10! very scary thought
I learned it is an important topic to talk about with your children.
exposure to gambling is everywhere
I learned that it is never too early to talk to your kids about gambling, and suggestions on how to start the conversation.
I learned that a gambling problem addiction can start as early as 10 years old.
I learned that kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke. Wow surprised by that.
Children are exposed to gambling at a very young age. When I went to Europe they had betting sites everywhere.
I learned that lots of times problem gamblers started gambling at age 10.
One of the signs you are supposed to look for is money or possessions go missing from the house.
I am actually shocked at the age they say gambling starts, I can see that. But I think it is likely a predisposed condition to have a excessive habit. Though I was taken to horse races when I was very young my grandpa would sneak me in and I would bet and we all got scratchers at Christmas it was a tradition for the kids, at the same point my grandpa instilled not to waste money . I went to Vegas and only spent 1 quarter on one machine while I was waiting for my friend to use the bathroom so guess I am not the norm lol
I learned an incredible fact– that kids are more likely to start gambling than drink, smoke or do drugs!