South Dakota Lottery Joins 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign

The South Dakota Lottery reminds citizens this holiday season that scratch tickets aren’t suitable gifts for children.

The South Dakota Lottery has joined 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 scratch tickets. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.

“The South Dakota Lottery prides itself on being a viable source of entertainment and revenue for the state for more than 35 years. We also remind our players to play responsibly,” Executive Director Norm Lingle said. “Initiatives like the gift responsibly campaign are important to us, and we look forward to our continued participation.”

During November and December, the South Dakota Lottery will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by promoting responsible gambling resources and facts on social media, it’s website, retailer training, and more.

“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 Gift Responsibly campaign is just a part of the South Dakota Lottery’s year-round efforts to promote responsible play. The Lottery provides responsible gambling resources on each of its products, including the toll-free problem gambling helpline.

The Lottery also reminds players to “Keep the Fun Good” through a dedicated webpage, social media messages, and an award-winning advertising campaign. The South Dakota Lottery has also received certification for its responsible gambling efforts through the NCPG and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).

For more information on these resources, visit https://lottery.sd.gov/responsible-play/.