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

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling (NeCPG) 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 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.

During November and December, NeCPG will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by using social media, public speaking opportunities, media engagement, and community events.

“Statistics show that minors that engage in gambling behavior are significantly more likely to become problem gamblers,” said Mike Sciandra, NeCPG Executive Director. “While scratch tickets and other lottery products can be thoughtful gifts for adults, giving them to children can send mixed messages about normalizing gambling behavior. Children cannot purchase or redeem winnings on lottery tickets for a reason. A seemingly innocent gift can create a culture for more problematic gambling behaviors in adulthood.”

About the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling

Founded in 1992 as the Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling, the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling (NeCPG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the sole Nebraska affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The mission of NeCPG is to increase public awareness of problem gambling, to encourage availability of treatment services for problem gamblers and their families, and to provide resources for education and prevention.

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 1-800-522-4700. 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.