French Regulator Warns Against Giving Scratch-Off Tickets to Children as Christmas Gifts

France’s national gambling authority, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), is raising concerns about the potential risks of giving scratch-off lottery tickets to children as Christmas gifts. A recent survey reveals a surprising number of parents are considering this, despite the known dangers of early exposure to gambling.

Early Gambling Increases Addiction Risk

The ANJ’s survey, conducted in early December, found that 20% of French adults plan to give scratch-off tickets to children for Christmas, often to their own kids. Alarmingly, 14% of parents specifically stated they would be giving these games as gifts. While a majority of respondents find the idea of giving scratch-offs to children “inconceivable,” a significant portion has already done so.

The regulator notes that Christmas is a particularly popular time for this type of gift-giving, exceeding even birthdays.

Gambling is Illegal for Minors

Scratch-off games represent a substantial portion of the French gambling market, accounting for 23% of total revenue in 2023. These instant games are often the entry point for gambling among teenagers aged 15-17.

It’s crucial to remember that all forms of gambling, including scratch-offs, online games, and sports betting, are illegal for minors in France. This prohibition applies even when a minor is accompanied by a parent, and retailers are forbidden from selling these products to underage individuals.

Problem Gambling Triples Among Teens

A vast majority (94%) of those surveyed recognize that gambling is a dangerous activity for children, even more so than social media or excessive screen time. A national study by ARPEJ and the ANJ reveals a troubling trend: the rate of problem gambling among 15-17 year olds has tripled in the past decade.

“The earlier gambling begins, the greater the risk of addiction,” warns Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ.

The ANJ hopes this survey will remind parents that gambling is not harmless and should not be normalized for children. The regulator emphasizes the link between early exposure and the potential for future addiction.