Age-Appropriate Gifts are Better Options for the Holidays
12.5.25
Research shows that childhood gambling experiences, including those with lottery products, can be a risk factor for gambling problems later in life. This holiday season, give a child a gift, not a lottery ticket – and have a conversation with your family about the risks of underage gambling.
“I remember how surprised I was the first time I heard that giving kids lottery tickets as gifts could be harmful,” said Lori Manson, Problem Gambling Services Coordinator at ADEPT Maine and board member of the Maine Council on Problem Gambling. “It seems like such an innocent tradition and so many people do it. Most people don’t realize that childhood lottery exposure is linked to gambling addiction.”
According to the recently released 2025 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, 35.7% of high school students indicated that they have gambled at least once. Of the students who have gambled, 11.1% indicated that it has caused financial problems or problems in their family, work, school, or personal life. The teen brain is susceptible to addiction, and gambling problems are linked to lower grades, use of alcohol and drugs, and mental health problems including depression and anxiety.
Research linking early exposure to gambling to future problem gambling and other risky behaviors inspired the Gift Responsibly Campaign to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery play during the winter holiday season and other occasions throughout the year. This year, the Maine Council on Problem Gambling, the Coastal Recovery Community Center, and ADEPT Maine Problem Gambling Services join the National Council on Problem Gambling, community organizations, and lotteries from around the country to educate the public that lottery tickets aren’t child’s play.
“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 that there are several organizations in Maine joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”
Learn more about youth gambling at maineproblemgambling.org. If you or someone you know, no matter what the age, has a gambling problem, in Maine, call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211.
Local Resources:
About the Maine Council on Problem Gambling
The Maine Council on Problem Gambling is a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 non-profit committed to working with other organizations and individuals to reduce problem gambling and its impact on Maine’s individuals, families, and communities. Learn more at maineproblemgambling.org
About Coastal Recovery Community Center
The Coastal Recovery Community Center (CRCC) provides a safe, welcoming environment which provides support, resources, and education for those recovering from and affected by addiction, as well as their friends, families, and loved ones. CRCC hosts a weekly problem gambling support group. Learn more at https://www.rocklandrecovery.org/
About ADEPT Educational Institute of Maine
The mission of ADEPT Educational Institute (formerly AdCare) is to advance knowledge, skills, and awareness in the prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery of substance use disorders, behavioral health, and related public health issues. ADEPT’s Problem Gambling Services program provides education on problem gambling, manages problem gambling services including online and community self-exclusion services for casino and sports wagering, as well oversight of the Gambling Addiction Treatment Network. Learn more at https://adeptme.org/problem-gambling/
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline™, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call 1-800-522-4700, text 800GAM, or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential
Contact:
Lori Manson, Problem Gambling Services Coordinator, ADEPT Educational Institute of Maine, Board Member, Maine Council on Problem Gambling, Phone: (207) 620-5229, Email: lmanson@adeptme.org