Once again, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation urges everyone to remain responsible for the upcoming holidays, and not gift children Scratch & Win Tickets as presents. As part of its annual #GiftSmart public-information campaign, the Crown corporation is trying to raise awareness of the possible negative effects in the future for children who gamble at a young age.
The BCLC has always demonstrated its responsibility towards its players from the province, as it has organized numerous responsible gaming programs. In fact, the Crown agency has been awarded a Level 4 certification for excellence in responsible-gambling programming from the World Lottery Association. This is the highest level of recognition by the WLA.
#GiftSmart
This month, the BCLC is sending out its message not to buy scratch tickets for children as part of its #GiftSmart campaign. The message is displayed at more than 3,500 lottery retailers across the province of British Columbia. To make sure that the message is heard by even broader audiences, it is also broadcasted through radio and social media advertising.
Dr. Jamie Wiebe, Director of Player Health for the Crown corporation, said that according to a study the introduction of gambling activities to minors can be a risk of developing gambling addiction later in their life. She also said that despite looking for the perfect gift, people should not forget that they should not gift lottery products to anyone under 19 years of age.
Now, in a collaboration with the National Council on Problem gambling and McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling, the BCLC is trying to raise awareness on the matter. The Crown reminds that it is quite important to have conversations with children about the potential risks of gambling and for anyone who wants to learn more the Crown has provided information on GameSense.com
According to research by the NCPG and the McGill University, adult gamblers with problematic gambling conditions report an earlier onset of gambling, which is often between 10 and 19 years old. Studies also suggest that some individuals which are as young as nine-years-old also engage in gambling activities. Also, male adolescents are more involved in gambling than females, who are more interested in lottery offerings.
Major Impact
Recently, a study conducted by a professor from the Thompson Rivers University determined that the BCLC has a major financial impact on the City of Kamloops and the region as a whole. According to the study, the Crown has contributed over CA$2.2 billion to the economic and social development of the region for its 35 years of work. Proceeds of its gaming activities are directly reinvested into the province’s community and non-profits.
Casinos on Road to Recovery
More recent reports coming from the Crown agency is that both Chances Casino and Cascades Casino in Kamloops are recovering well from the impact of the unprecedented situation. Both casino properties were reopened in the summer of 2021, and are now performing to their pre-lockdown levels, says the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Greg Walker.
Source: “Scratch & Win Tickets Make Great Stocking Stuffers, but Not for Kids”, BCLC, December 15, 2021
