The South Dakota Lottery is reminding adults that gifting lottery tickets to children during the holiday season is inappropriate. Norm Lingle, the Executive Director of the South Dakota Lottery, emphasized the importance of playing responsibly, highlighting their ongoing initiatives like the Gift Responsibly Campaign. This effort raises awareness about the dangers of underage lottery participation, a concern shared by lotteries and community organizations across North America and globally.
Research indicates that children who are exposed to gambling at an early age are more likely to develop gambling issues in the future. It is not uncommon for adults to unknowingly give items such as scratch tickets or lottery tickets to children, which can pose significant risks.
The Gift Responsibly campaign is part of the South Dakota Lottery’s comprehensive approach to promote responsible gambling year-round. In addition to educating the public, the Lottery provides resources about responsible play on its products and offers a toll-free helpline for problem gambling at 1-888-781-HELP.
For more information on responsible gambling resources and the Gift Responsibly campaign, interested individuals can visit the South Dakota Lottery’s website. This initiative is a vital step toward fostering a culture of responsible play and safeguarding the interests of young and vulnerable individuals.