News Release

New Jersey Lottery’s 2022 “Not 18 Yet? No Bet” Awareness Campaign Underway

Link to video

TRENTON (Sept. 16, 2022) – The New Jersey Lottery and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) have partnered in the development of a video conversation as part of the Lottery’s annual “Not 18 Yet? No Bet” Awareness Campaign. The campaign, which runs September 1 through September 30, reminds residents and retailers that New Jersey law prohibits the sale of lottery tickets by or to anyone under the age of 18. The video has been disseminated to media outlets throughout New Jersey and is available for viewing on the “Responsible Play” page of the Lottery’s website.

In the video, New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James A. Carey and CCGNJ Executive Director Felicia Grondin discuss the “Not 18 Yet? No Bet” Awareness Campaign and the importance of preventing underage gambling of any kind. They remind parents to be careful not to involve underage children in their lottery and other gaming activities. As well, in this video, information is provided about behaviors to look out for that could indicate someone under the age of 18 is engaged in gambling activity and could be developing a problem. There are details regarding where parents and other concerned individuals can go to obtain information and support regarding suspected gambling-related problems of any kind. The conversation addresses the Lottery’s enhanced efforts during the campaign to educate about the law and reinforce the importance of preventing gambling activity among minors.

“Discouraging underage gambling is a part of our everyday practice at the Lottery,” said Executive Director Carey. “Since students returning to school may have money available for lunch, school supplies, and more, September is an appropriate time to highlight the law that prohibits anyone under 18 from playing the lottery. The support of the Council for our ‘Not 18 Yet? No Bet’ Awareness Campaign is invaluable and I thank Executive Director Grondin for participating in this video.”

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a private non-profit organization that provides information education, and referral services for people affected by a gambling problem, either themselves or that of a loved one. While the Council neither endorses nor opposes legalized gambling, it does oppose all forms of illegal gambling, especially when engaged in by children and teens.

“The matter of underage gambling is a very important issue to us at the Council,” said Executive Director Grondin. “With the proliferation of a variety of gambling opportunities and related advertising, gambling has become much more socially acceptable and commonplace. Children and teens witness gambling activities and are exposed to gambling opportunities every day, so it is more important than ever to urge parents and other adults to discourage underage gambling of any kind.”

Unlike drugs and alcohol problems, a gambling disorder is not always easily recognizable. A possible gambling problem in a minor affects the lives of that individual and those close to them. It is never too early – or too late – to get advice and assistance. If you or someone you know has a concern about a potential gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER for support and advice.

About the New Jersey Lottery

The New Jersey Lottery has received international recognition for it responsible gaming initiatives, obtaining the highest level of achievement by the World Lottery Association (WLA). Level 4 Certification, for adherence to the WLA’s Responsible Gaming Principles and Responsible Gaming Framework, which are ingrained in the Lottery’s day-to-day operations and which require efforts toward continuous improvement. The WLA is one of the world’s most respected industry authorities on responsible gaming programs and initiatives.

About the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc.

Since 1983, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. has helped problem and compulsive gamblers. The Council’s mission is to provide prevention, education and referral services to anyone affected by this illness. It operates the widely recognized gambling helpline number 1-800-GAMBLER®, offering 24-hour confidential assistance to anyone affected by a gambling disorder.