Virginia Council on Problem Gambling Joins 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign to Raise Awareness of Youth Gambling Risks

Gambling-related gifts of any kind, including lottery scratch tickets, just aren’t suitable for youth under age 18.”

— Dr. Carolyn Hawley, President, Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG)

RICHMOND, VA, UNITED STATES, December 4, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) has announced its commitment as a participant of the 2025 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 supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).

Research supports that early exposure to or participation in gambling during childhood is highly correlated with the development of a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through a 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.

“Gambling-related gifts of any kind, including lottery scratch tickets, just aren’t suitable for youth under age 18,” said Dr. Carolyn Hawley, President of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. “Lottery tickets are designed for adults, and the Gift Responsibly Campaign is a gentle reminder that even well-intentioned gifts can have unintended impacts on a young person’s life.”

The Gift Responsibly Campaign runs during the holiday months of November and December. During that time, the VCPG and other participants will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use through educational social media messages, press releases and public service announcements.

“The Lottery has one of the most recognized brands in Virginia, and we’re using that equity to spread the word that Lottery tickets are never an appropriate gift for minors,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones. “It’s part of our commitment to presenting and marketing our games in the most responsible and ethical manner.”

“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 gambling products out of kids’ hands,” said Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG’s board of directors. “We’re grateful to VCPG for joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”

VCPG’s toll-free confidential helpline, 1-888-532-3500, provides 24/7/365 support and resources for anyone having questions about a gambling problem for themselves, a friend or a loved one. The helpline is easily accessible by call, text or even by online chat at vcpg.net. All callers who allow follow-up calls receive regular contacts via phone, text and email after 48 hours, one week, one month and six months. “We want anyone who might be struggling with a gambling disorder to know that we can help,” concluded Dr. Hawley.