French Gaming Authority Warns Against Gifting Scratch-Off Tickets to Children This Christmas

The French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) is issuing a strong warning this holiday season about the dangers of normalizing gambling, especially among young people. They caution that not all gifts are suitable to be placed under the Christmas tree.

A recent survey reveals a concerning trend: one in five French adults plans to give scratch-off tickets to a child for Christmas. Furthermore, 14% of parents admitted they intend to gift these potentially harmful items to their own children.

The Risk of Addiction

Scratch-off games may seem like harmless fun, but the ANJ emphasizes that they can be a “poisoned gift.” In a statement released Thursday, the authority highlighted that these types of games are often the gateway for 15-17 year olds to begin gambling.

The risks associated with early exposure to gambling are well-understood. A staggering 93% of French respondents believe that children who gamble are at risk of developing an addiction. An overwhelming 94% also consider gambling to be more dangerous for children than social media (90%) or excessive screen time (78%). “Studies show that the earlier gambling begins, the greater the risk of addiction,” warns Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of the ANJ.

Gambling is Illegal for Minors

The ANJ hopes this survey will remind parents that gambling is not a harmless activity and should not be normalized. As Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin states, “If they should remember one thing, it’s that gambling is not child’s play!”

French law prohibits minors from participating in scratch-off games. The only exceptions are the traditional lottery (with stakes less than 20 euros), raffles, or lotteries within an association or at a funfair, according to the public service website. This Christmas, the best gift you can give is to refrain from giving gambling-related gifts to children.

Key Findings:

• One in five French adults plan to gift scratch-off tickets to children.
• 14% of parents intend to give scratch-off tickets to their children.
• 93% of French people believe gambling can lead to addiction in children.
• Gambling is illegal for minors in France, with limited exceptions.

Quote:

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

(*) The Toluna – Harris Interactive survey was conducted online from December 5th to 9th with 2037 people aged 18 and over for the National Gaming Authority.