With the holiday season underway, we offer a reminder as you’re shopping for gifts in the next few weeks.
We know that lottery tickets will be among the items that people buy to give as presents and put in stockings. And here at the Iowa Lottery, we’re all for having fun! But please remember that our tickets – while colorful, entertaining and affordable – may not be something you want to give to those underage.
That’s true for other products as well. Some video games and movies may not be appropriate for all ages because of their content. Alcohol and tobacco-related products have their own age restrictions. Even toys have age-recommendation guidelines.
In Iowa, you have to be at least 21 years old to buy lottery tickets, and we’ve always considered our products to be something for adults. After all, you are gambling when you play the lottery.
To minimize the risks associated with youth gambling, be sure to give youngsters age-appropriate gifts in general, and when you give lottery tickets as presents specifically, please keep the person's age in mind.
And as always, if you or someone you know is being impacted by problem gambling, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-BETSOFF (1-800-238-7633) or visiting https://yourlifeiowa.org/gambling.
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