The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is urging the public to reconsider a popular holiday tradition. In a statement issued on December 1, 2025, the provincial gaming authority warned against giving lottery tickets as stocking stuffers, especially to minors.
The Risks of Gifting Chance
The OLG emphasized that while scratch tickets or Lotto Max slips might seem like a fun and inexpensive gift, they are inappropriate for anyone under the legal age. In Ontario, you must be 19 years or older to purchase or redeem lottery tickets. Providing them to minors not only breaks the law but can also normalize gambling from an early age, potentially leading to problematic behaviors later in life.
"During the holiday season, we want to remind everyone that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children or teenagers," an OLG spokesperson stated. The corporation is concerned that these gifts, often tucked into stockings or holiday cards, can inadvertently introduce gambling as a form of entertainment to young people.
Legal and Social Implications
The warning highlights a significant legal boundary. Retailers are trained to check identification, but the onus also falls on gift-givers. An adult who provides a lottery ticket to someone under 19 could be held responsible for facilitating underage gambling.
Beyond the legal aspect, health advocates support the OLG's stance. They point out that early exposure to games of chance can distort a young person's understanding of risk, reward, and money. The instant gratification of a scratch ticket is fundamentally different from a traditional gift.
Alternative Gift Ideas Suggested
For those seeking low-cost, exciting fillers for holiday stockings, the OLG and family advocates suggest numerous alternatives. Consider gift cards for movies or ice cream, puzzles, books, art supplies, or small toys. These presents provide enjoyment without the associated risks of a gambling product.
The OLG's holiday reminder serves as a timely nudge for Canadians to think critically about the messages embedded in their gifts. Ensuring celebrations are safe and age-appropriate for everyone, especially children, remains a cornerstone of responsible holiday enjoyment.
