The holiday season is synonymous with joy, generosity, and family togetherness. It’s a cherished opportunity to bring happiness to youth, young adults and their peers with thoughtful and exciting gifts. However, amidst the festivities, it’s vital to recognize and address potential risks, particularly the increasing link between holiday gifting and gambling. 

Understanding the Risks

In today’s digital world, young people encounter gambling-related activities more frequently than ever. From mobile betting apps to video game loot boxes and lottery tickets, gambling is increasingly accessible. Research highlights the urgency of addressing this issue:

• 23% of students in New York State reported gambling at least once in the past year (OASAS, 2022; NYSED, 2021).
• 26% of youth in New York State have participated in lottery games or scratch-offs (OASAS, 2015).
• 75%–80% of college students report having gambled in general within the past year (Winters and Derevensky, 2019). 

During the holidays, is vital to be aware of the potential consequences to gambling when gift-giving can inadvertently introduce youth, young adults, and their peers to gambling behaviors.

Holiday Gifting Tips

Preventing youth gambling starts with informed and intentional choices. Here are actionable tips for holiday gifting:

• Avoid Gambling-Related Gifts: Refrain from giving scratch-off tickets, lottery games, or digital items tied to gambling-like apps. These can normalize gambling behaviors for children and teens.
• Encourage Financial Literacy: Choose gifts that teach financial responsibility, such as savings jars, interactive money-management games, or a beginner’s guide to budgeting. This empowers individuals to make sound financial decisions.
• Boundaries on Digital Gifts: If giving gaming-related gifts, ensure they do not include features like loot boxes or gambling-style options. Discuss the risks associated with in-game purchases and set spending limits.
• Promote Offline Engagement: Consider gifts that foster creativity, physical activity, or skill-building, such as art supplies, sports equipment, or STEM kits. These provide healthier alternatives to screen-based activities.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate responsible gift-giving habits by avoiding gambling-related items for family members and peers. Your actions send a powerful message.

Navigating Tech Use

The online environment poses unique challenges during the holiday season. Everyone should take proactive steps to manage digital engagement:

• Online Platforms: Keep an eye on the websites and apps being used. Ensuring they comply with age restrictions and steer clear of gambling sites.
• Stay Updated on Digital Trends: Familiarize yourself with gaming trends and potential risks like loot boxes or social gambling apps. 
• Discuss In-Game Purchases: Talk openly about the risks of in-game purchases that mimic gambling. Set clear rules around spending limits and permissions.

Creating a safe and joyful holiday season means making informed choices that prioritize youth and young adults’ well-being. By steering clear of gambling-related gifts, fostering financial literacy, and encouraging offline and educational activities, we can cultivate an environment that promotes responsible behavior. Together, we can help safeguard young people from the risks of gambling, ensuring a holiday season filled with growth, learning, and meaningful family and peer connections.

Help and Support

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org  HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

Support is just a call or click away, offering hope and solutions to families facing gambling-related challenges.