2023 Press Releases

The Delaware Lottery Joins 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign to Raise Awareness of Youth Gambling Risks

Dover, DE — Today, the Delaware Lottery announced its commitment as a Level 2 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.

“In addition to being illegal, purchasing Delaware Lottery Draw Games, Instant Games, and Sports Pick for minors may increase their likeliness for future gambling problems,” said Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery. “The Gift Responsibly campaign is a great opportunity for us to help educate audiences about the dangers associated with underage gambling.”

As part of the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign, the Delaware Lottery will use social media, and retailer support to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use this November and December.

“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.”

At the Delaware Lottery, we want everyone to enjoy playing Lottery games in a responsible manner. This is why we continuously build on our past efforts to deal with the issue of youth gambling. The Delaware Lottery is committed to marketing and selling Lottery products in a responsible way, while ensuring retailers are educated on responsible gaming practices. To raise awareness on the potential for problem gambling, we place the Play Responsibly message and helpline number on all Lottery advertisements, promotions, Video Lottery terminals and Retailer ticket terminals. The Delaware Lottery is pleased to join other lotteries across the country in supporting responsible play. When everyone plays responsibly, we all win.

About the Delaware Lottery:
Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed $6.0 billion to the state’s General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL^®, MEGA MILLIONS^®, LOTTO AMERICA^®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, LUCKY FOR LIFE^®, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, Keno^®, Sports Lottery and Instant Games, iGaming, Video Lottery and Table Games. Delaware Lottery game and promotional details are available at delottery.com, at licensed locations, and from the Lottery’s office in Dover.

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 Helpline Chat - National Council on Problem Gambling. 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 Behaviours 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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