Charleston, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Hour House today announced its commitment as a participant of the 2024 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 the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. 

Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of 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. 

“What may seem harmless and innocent can introduce teens to risky gambling behaviors. Early exposure can make it harder for adolescents to recognize the true odds and costs of gambling,” said Dydra Arnold, Gambling Coordinator for the Hour House.   

Hour House has signed on to the 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign as a participant providing services to young adults. During the November and December, Hour House will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by creating public service announcements, spreading the word on social media outlets, and distributing marketing materials to local vendors. 

“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “I commend each Gift Responsibly Campaign participant for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Now, more than ever, we must continue to insist that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.” 

About the Hour House 

We are a community-based, not-for-profit corporation offering services to address substance use disorders and other therapeutic needs. We began helping east central Illinois and other state residents as the Central East Alcoholism & Drug Council originally incorporated in 1972. We opened our first facility in 1973 and now operate 10 sites in our geographic area.  In 2020 we began using the name Hour House in recognition of the reality that recovery happens an “hour at a time”. 

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 associate with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Hotline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7-it is free and confidential. 

About international center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University 

For over 20 years, the international Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University has been at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at identifying and understanding the critical factors related to youth gambling issues.