PHOENIX – The Arizona Lottery is reinforcing its commitment as a Level 2 participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).
Research supports that early exposure to or participation in gambling during childhood is highly correlated with the development of a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through a lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
“Operating with integrity and protecting the communities we serve is paramount. That includes doing our part to keep lottery products out of the hands of anyone under 21,” said Alec Thomson, Arizona Lottery Executive Director. “Participating in the Gift Responsibly Campaign helps us reinforce an important message during the holiday season–lottery tickets are a fun and exciting gift for adults 21+ but are never appropriate for children.”
As a participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, the Arizona Lottery will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by running a campaign using paid ads, social media, and retailer education efforts. These activities are designed to remind adults that lottery products are not appropriate gifts for anyone under the age of 21 as Arizona law requires that players be 21 or older to purchase, play, or redeem lottery tickets.
“Youth gambling is a growing risk that too often goes overlooked. The Gift Responsibly Campaign plays a vital role in helping families and communities understand the importance of keeping lottery products out of kids’ hands,” said Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG’s Board of Directors. “We’re grateful to the Arizona Lottery for joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”
The Arizona Lottery continues to work in partnership with the NCPG and the Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling to support year-round responsible gaming initiatives. Lottery funds support public education, retailer training, and community programs that help individuals understand the warning signs of problem gambling.
For more information about responsible gambling resources, visit ArizonaLottery.com/ResponsibleGaming. If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, call or text 1-800-NEXT-STEP for confidential support available 24/7.
