The Maine Lottery has announced its commitment as a Level 1 participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL). 

"Research supports that early exposure to or participation in gambling during childhood is highly correlated with the development of a gambling problem later in life," said Maine Lottery, in a news release. "Gambling exposure during childhood is often through a lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks." 

“The Maine Lottery is proud to partner once again in this important campaign, to remind people across the state not only to play our games responsibly but also to gift responsibly," said Calvin Rinck, Marketing Manager for the Maine Lottery. "This includes not gifting lottery tickets to anyone under age 18.”

As a participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, during the months of November and December Maine Lottery will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by sharing educational messages and information about responsible gambling, tips for parents, how to access help for problem gambling, and more. 

“Youth gambling is a growing risk that too often goes overlooked. The Gift Responsibly Campaign plays a vital role in helping families and communities understand the importance of keeping lottery products out of kids’ hands,” said Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG’s Board of Directors. “We’re grateful to Maine Lottery for joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”  

About The Maine State Lottery

The Maine State Lottery was established in 1974 by Maine voters in a statewide referendum. Maine State Lottery proceeds benefit the General Fund. For information on lottery games and game draw results, visit mainelottery.com. Maine State Lottery officials encourage everyone to play responsibly. 

About the National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline™, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call 1-800-522-4700, text 800GAM, or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.