Doylestown, PA – Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. has announced its commitment as a participant of the 2023 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 the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. 

Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of 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.

“We know that young people can experience problem gambling disorders at higher rates than adults, and youth gambling is associated with alcohol and drug use, truancy, low grades, and other risk-taking behaviors,” said Mallory Perrotti, BCDAC, Inc. Prevention Supervisor. “It’s important to know the warning signs of problem gambling and to have conversations with your kids. We will use the campaign to share important tips when it comes to gifting items such as lottery tickets and ways to have conversations with youth and adults about playing responsibly.”

BCDAC, Inc. will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use through educational social media messages surrounding responsible gambling, appropriate age for lottery play, youth gambling states and parental awareness tips. 

“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “I commend each Gift Responsibly Campaign participant for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Now, more than ever, we must continue to insist that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.” 

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About Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. 
Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. (BCDAC) serves as the Single County Authority for alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention, intervention and treatment and recovery support services. Their mission is to promote healthy individuals, families and communities, eliminate the misuse, abuse and/or addiction to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and support those in recovery from addiction. For more information, visit www.bcdac.org or call 215-444-2700.

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 or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.

About International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University
For over 20 years, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University has been at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at identifying and understanding the critical factors related to youth gambling issues.

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