Virginia Lottery Releases PSA Reminding Adults to Gift Responsibly This Holiday Season
- Insights Press
- Dec 10
- 2 min read
RICHMOND, Va. (December 8, 2025) – It’s the time of gifts and gift-giving – and also the time to remember to gift responsibly. The Virginia Lottery and the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling ((VCPG) are reminding Virginians that lottery tickets are never an appropriate gift for anyone younger than 18. In fact, it is against state law to give lottery tickets to minors.
“The Lottery has one of the most recognized brands in Virginia, and we’re using that equity to spread the word that Lottery tickets are never an appropriate gift for minors.”
To highlight the message, the Lottery has produced a new public service announcement (PSA) and is extensively using social media and paid media to help get the message across to Virginians.
The message of the PSA is “Scratchers for Kids? Scratch that Idea!” That’s also the name of the Virginia Lottery’s award-winning campaign aimed at raising public awareness of gifting responsibly.
“The Lottery has one of the most recognized brands in Virginia, and we’re using that equity to spread the word that Lottery tickets are never an appropriate gift for minors,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones. “It’s part of our commitment to presenting and marketing our games in the most responsible and ethical manner.”
“We are proud to partner with the Virginia Lottery to remind adults that lottery tickets should never be given as gifts or stocking stuffers to children,” said Dr. Carolyn Hawley, president of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. “Underage gambling exposure can have a serious long-term impact on a young person’s life.”
This is the 18th year that the Virginia Lottery has teamed up with VCPG, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University, and dozens of other lottery corporations around the globe to increase public awareness this holiday season about the impact of giving lottery products as gifts to children.
About the Virginia Lottery:
All Virginia Lottery profits go to K-12 education in Virginia. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Lottery raised more than $901 million for K-12 education, making up approximately 10 percent of Virginia’s total K-12 school budget. For a complete list of Lottery funds distributed to Virginia school districts, visit the Virginia Lottery’s Giving Back page. For general information or to play games online, visit the Virginia Lottery’s website or download the Lottery’s app. Connect with the Lottery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube. With all gaming, please play responsibly.
About the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling:
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization seeking to increase the education, prevention, and treatment efforts surrounding problem gambling within the state of Virginia. The VCPG is neither for nor against legalized gambling. If you or someone you know has a concern about gambling, please call the 24-hour helpline at 1-888-532-3500. The call is free and confidential.
