The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is once again reminding parents to avoid gifting Scratch & Wins to their kids.
BCLC spokesperson Lara Gerrits says research shows that if lottery products are given to youth, it may be a gateway to problem gambling when they become adults.
“While (lottery products) are fun for adults, they’re not meant for kids, especially in the lead up to the holidays when you see Scratch & Wins in stockings or in Christmas cards,” she says.
Gerrits encourages parents to have conversations with their children about the risks of gambling. She points to gamesense.com as a good resource to guide parents around that kind of talk.
“It’s never too early to start the conversation,” she says.
One part of the convo, adds Gerrits, should focus on the difference between skill-based games (like video games, where practice pays off), and gambling, where the outcome is random and chance-based.
Parents can find out more information HERE.
