BCLC warns of child gambling at Christmas [Video]

Scratch cards in stockings might seem like an exciting Christmas idea, but for those who are under the legal age limit, being lured into gambling too early could cause more mess than merriment further down the line, says the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.

For another festive season the BCLC is running its Gift Smart campaign, an annual reminder to parents to not buy lottery products, including scratch cards, for their children.

According to the BCLC’s Director of Player Health, Ryan McCarthy, children who are exposed to gambling at a young age are up to four times more likely to develop problematic gambling behaviors later on.

The organization’s Scratch & Win tickets have long been festive favourites for kids, he said, because “they look fun and are easy to play” but there are many other more age-appropriate stocking filler items, like sweets, toys and games, that offer the joy without the …