PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) -- The South Dakota Lottery warns that scratch tickets are not good Christmas gifts for children.
Executive Director Norm Lingle says that tickets and other Lottery products can be "exciting gifts", but not for those under the age of 18.
As part of a national campaign, the state lottery is warning of the potential dangers of children gambling, that gambling problems can start at a young age, and it would be risky to give a scratch ticket to a child as a gift.
The National Council on Problem Gambling says that research shows that lottery play is sometimes an introduction to problem gambling.
The NCPG’s annual responsible gambling campaign is aimed at increasing public awareness about the impact of gifting lottery products to minors.
South Dakota is one of many lotteries throughout the world taking part in this year’s campaign.