Texas Lottery Tickets Shouldn’t Be on Your Kid’s Christmas Lists or in Their Stockings

Lottery tickets can be fun!  They are fun to scratch and are fun when win money.  The anticipation that comes with scratching off each little box is something that brings joy to a lot of people.

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However, that joy shouldn't be for kids.

Lottery Tickets are Not a Proper Christmas Gift for Kids

I get it, you're the parent or guardian, and if you want to buy lottery tickets for your kids you will.

Here's why you shouldn't.

• It is illegal for a retailer to sell anyone under the age of 18 a Texas Lottery ticket.
• You have to be over the age of 18 to claim a prize from a Texas Lottery ticket.
• Early exposure to gambling can create larger gambling problems later on in life.

Yes, as an adult you can buy lottery tickets for your children and if you win you can claim that prize for them.  However, if your child wins over $600 and possibly millions that doesn't mean that you get to keep that money and spend it, it's technically theirs and you just become the custodian of said money.  They even have  You can see those laws here.

Again, the main concern is early exposure to gambling.

“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “We applaud the Texas Lottery for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling and for working to educate the community that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”

Even though the games are cute, and Christmassy, they shouldn't be stuffed in your kid's stockings or even wrapped and put under the tree.  There are other alternatives for gifts for kids.

Save the lottery tickets for the adults!