(Dodge City, Kansas) – The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce today 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 believe that an informed society is the best defense against problem gambling,” said Debbie Snapp, Chair of the Taskforce. “Research shows that early childhood exposure to gambling, often initiated through the receipt of lottery tickets as gifts, increases the risk of developing gambling problems later in life. By being part of the 'Gift Responsibly Campaign,' we aim to elevate societal awareness about these risks, promote responsible gambling and gifting habits, and thereby reduce the incidence of youthful problem gambling.”
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce has signed on to the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign as a participant. During November and December, the Taskforce will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use through public service announcements and social media reminders.
“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.”
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce is dedicated to fostering responsible gambling habits, supporting preventative measures and endorsing sustainable practices in southwest Kansas. Through this campaign, the Taskforce aims to extend their commitment to responsible gifting, addressing the often-overlooked issue of underage lottery use.
About the Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force is to raise awareness and provide education to individuals, families and communities to reduce the harmful effects of problem gambling. The Task Force is neither for nor against gambling, but concentrates on efforts to help those affected by problem gambling through public awareness, prevention and education programs and ensuring resources are available to problem gamblers and their families.
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 Behaviors 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.
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 believe that an informed society is the best defense against problem gambling,” said Debbie Snapp, Chair of the Taskforce. “Research shows that early childhood exposure to gambling, often initiated through the receipt of lottery tickets as gifts, increases the risk of developing gambling problems later in life. By being part of the 'Gift Responsibly Campaign,' we aim to elevate societal awareness about these risks, promote responsible gambling and gifting habits, and thereby reduce the incidence of youthful problem gambling.”
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce has signed on to the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign as a participant. During November and December, the Taskforce will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use through public service announcements and social media reminders.
“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.”
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce is dedicated to fostering responsible gambling habits, supporting preventative measures and endorsing sustainable practices in southwest Kansas. Through this campaign, the Taskforce aims to extend their commitment to responsible gifting, addressing the often-overlooked issue of underage lottery use.
About the Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force is to raise awareness and provide education to individuals, families and communities to reduce the harmful effects of problem gambling. The Task Force is neither for nor against gambling, but concentrates on efforts to help those affected by problem gambling through public awareness, prevention and education programs and ensuring resources are available to problem gamblers and their families.
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 Behaviors 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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