Chris Christie, Governor
Kim Guadagno, Lt. Governor
Carole Hedinger, Executive Director
Benefits Education and Institutions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Judith L. Drucker
Chief Communications Officer
[email protected]
Phone: (609) 599-5875
GIFT RESPONSIBLY.
LOTTERY TICKETS AREN'T CHILD'S PLAY
TRENTON, N.J. (Dec. 1, 2015) - The New Jersey Lottery (NJL) has joined forces with the Council on
Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) to build public awareness that lottery products are
not an appropriate gift for minors. The Lottery and the Council reinforce the message annually to
discourage underage gambling and to encourage the responsible gifting of lottery tickets.
Lottery tickets are easy choices to slip into a gift or holiday card and are popular as stocking stuffers.
They are generally affordable, colorful and easily available. New Jersey law requires lottery purchasers to
be 18 years of age or older. While the law does not prohibit adults from giving tickets to minors, research
suggests this may not always be a good idea.
The NJL and the CCGNJ urge parents to use good judgment in making holiday gift selections for their
children. According to Neva Pryor, executive director of the CCGNJ, "Parents really can make a
difference and reduce the risk of young people developing gambling problems. Let's send the right
message this year and refrain from giving lottery tickets to minors."
"The Lottery is proud of its Responsible Play Program and its support of the mission of the CCGNJ,” said
NJL Lottery executive director Carole Hedinger. “Together the Council and the Lottery are reminding
parents and other adults about the dangers of promoting gambling activity to anyone underage. This
holiday season, if you choose to give a lottery ticket as a gift, be sure to consider the age of the recipient.”
About the New Jersey Lottery
Since its inception in 1970, the New Jersey State Lottery (NJLottery.com) has contributed more than
$23 billion to the State in support of education and institutions. In Fiscal Year 2014, the Lottery’s
contribution was more than $965 million. Among its beneficiaries are: veterans homes, community and
other colleges and universities, school nutrition programs, homes for individuals with developmental
disabilities, psychiatric hospitals, higher education scholarship programs and the Marie Katzenbach School
for the Deaf.
About the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc.
Since 1983, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. has helped problem and compulsive
gamblers and their families. The group was a pioneer in the compulsive gambling field and remains one of
the leaders in providing professional and compassionate services to a wide range of audiences. The
Council’s mission is to provide prevention, education and referral services to anyone affected by this
disorder. They operate the most widely recognized gambling help number in the nation, the 1-800GAMBLER® Helpline. The help number is now available in 20 states and offers 24-hour, immediate,
confidential assistance to anyone affected by gambling problems.
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New Jersey Lottery • PO Box 041 • Trenton, NJ 08625 • NJLottery.com
Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.