MADISON, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — Wisconsin Lottery officials are reminding players to keep holiday-themed scratch tickets should only be given to those old enough to redeem them.
State Lottery Director Cindy Polzin says the Wisconsin Lottery is joining their sister organizations across North America in spreading the word to gift responsibly. “In Wisconsin, you have to be 18 years old to play or even redeem those lottery tickets. The tickets are fun to give to friends and co-workers, but they are not intended to give to kids,” she told WXPR Radio in Rhinelander.
While the Lottery encourages responsible play year-round, Polzin says this time of year it’s good to remind players to keep in mind who they are buying for.
“Not only do we give money to the Department of Health Services to give to the Council On Problem Gambling but we also through our own means push social media for responsible gaming, a print ad, a radio ad. We work closely with responsible gaming groups here in Wisconsin,” she added.
There is a growing concern nationally that teens and young adults represent the highest risk group for gambling problems.