Lotterywest is committing to the 2023 Gift Responsibly campaign this festive season, as part of a global push to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery and Scratch’n’Win (scratchie) use.
During December, Lotterywest will promote gifting responsibly messages such as 'scratchies are a great gift, just not for children,' and 'gift responsibly this Christmas,' through social media, in-store signage, on the website and app.
Training on responsible gifting practices will also be provided to Lotterywest retailers across the State.
Lotterywest, General Manager of Lotteries, Ioannis Gerothanasis said the gift responsibly campaign is an opportunity to alert and educate Western Australians about the risks of buying Lotto and scratchie tickets for children, and is fully aligned with Lotterywest’s purpose of operating a responsible Lottery that always puts the WA community first.
Research highlights the earlier someone is exposed to gambling, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Exposure during childhood can be through a Lotto ticket or a scratchie gifted to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
In Australia, around five per cent of 16 to 17-year-olds spent money on instant scratchies, while three per cent spent money on Lotto products, with some young people reporting their first gambling experience as young as ten years.
National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) Executive Director, Keith Whyte said the potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated.
“I commend Lotterywest for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling,” Mr Whyte said.
“Now more than ever, we must continue to insist that Lotto and scratchies are never appropriate gifts for children.”
Lotterywest is Australia’s only State Government owned and operated lottery, with all available profits delivered back to the community.
For more than 90 years, thanks to WA players and Lotterywest retailers, more than $6.3 billion in grants has been provided to the WA community.
Lotterywest is committed to minimising gambling harm. To find out more, including where to find support for yourself or someone you know, visit our website.
Media Enquiries:
Sarah Dawson, James Mooney and Emma Rogers
0438 996 884
14 December 2023