Protect your kids from gambling this Christmas

PRINCE GEORGE— The holidays are here and while scratch and wins might be an easy stocking stuffer, BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is reminding adults that if any find their way into a kids stocking to consider swapping them out for more child friendly present.

“Early participation or exposure to gambling in childhood can increase the risk of developing a gambling problem later in life,” said Ryan McCarthy, Director of Player Health at BCLC. “Adults may be unaware of these associated risks so, as part of our commitment to healthy play, it’s a priority for us to share the message that lottery products should never be gifted to kids.”

According to BCLC, around one in ten adolescents are at risk to developing gambling issues, while four to six percent of youth ages 12-17 are currently impacted by problem gambling. Additionally studies show that the average problem gambler started gambling at 10 years-old.

“It’s never too early to start the conversation. While kids and gambling don’t mix, many teenagers are already doing it by betting on things like a card game, or by purchasing a virtual loot box,” said McCarthy, offering helpful tips to parents: