I absolutely love hunting for the perfect gift for everyone on my list, and when people in turn ask me what I’d like I always say to get me a “stocking”, I have so much more fun opening up a stocking full of small little gifts and it really reminds me of fond memories from when I was a kid. My mom always put my stocking at the bottom of my bed late at night and as morning came I would slowly poke my toe down to the edge of my bed and feel the weight of a full stocking! Thinking back I realize she likely did this to buy herself a bit more sleep-in time, but I sure enjoyed waking up to that special surprise. My mom was awesome about filling my stocking with fun, interactive toys and goodies, to this day she still fills a stocking for me.
Now with a 4 year old of my own, I know the challenge to find fun things to stuff in that stocking, and often times we go with what we know. If we’re buying things at a store for mom, dad, grandma or grandpa, it makes sense to grab something while we are there for our kids right? The BCLC would like to remind you that Some Gifts Just Aren’t Meant For Kids. We are guilty of having shared some “fun” scratch ticket moments with Alivia, she just loved scratching everything off and since she couldn’t “read” we saw no danger in it, however we’ve since learned that by giving children scratch tickets at a young age and introducing them to gambling it can actually lead to long-term gambling problems well into adulthood. What we may think is innocent, really isn’t. We’re happy to share our top 10 frugal stocking stuffer ideas, as well as an important message from the BCLC, please give responsibly.
We know it’s tricky to fill those little stockings on a budget but I can promise you – it is possibe! We have a list of our top 10 frugal stocking stuffer ideas to help you get started and most of these items can be found at your local dollar store, making filling (and sometime overfilling!) those little stockings a bit easier:
- Fun stickers, points if they come with a sticker book
- Silly pens and notebooks
- Bubble bath and a fun bath poofy
- Toy cars, trucks or small dolls
- Character cups, our fave are the Frozen ones and for $1.. you can’to go wrong
- Holiday themed socks
- Silly putty or play-doh
- CANDY, the more themed the better… think Christmas Pez and Lifesaver books
- Books or magazines for the older kids
- Toothbrushes, either electric or regular. Our kids look forward to the electric ones Santa brings each year (and plus side.. they brush all that candy away right away!)
As Christmas approaches, the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has launched its annual holiday campaign reminding shoppers to think twice about whose stocking they might be stuffing. Most people, myself included – absolutely love getting lottery tickets, including Scratch & Wins, as a gift, especially if they win! And while scratching a ticket in hopes of a prize definitely feels like child’s play, BCLC would like to remind you they are anything but – lottery tickets are still a form of gambling and shouldn’t be given to kids under 19.
Research has shown that many adults with gambling problems report having started gambling at a very early age, some as young as 10 years old. Of the many risks factors associated with problem gambling, introducing gambling at a young age is one of the most significant and has the most lasting effects.
So the next time you pop by your local lotto retailer for a few last minute gifts, remember to keep the (underage) kids in your life off that particular list.
BCLC encourages parents to visit www.gamesense.ca to learn more about the comprehensive programs to help players make informed choices about gambling. BCLC also encourages parents and other adults to access our GameSense for Parents program which gives parents tools and supports to start a conversation with kids about gambling.
The BC Lottery Corporation wants to help you fill those stockings to the brim with a $50 Indigo Gift Card to get you started! Enter below. Good luck!
{Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, we were compensated for sharing this information with you. However, we firmly believe in this message. Please give responsibly!}
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I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. –
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I learned signs of potential problem gambling in children (carrying dice, betting on games, lying about gambling). I learned that it really can kickstart a gambling problem at a young age.
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35% of parents give children lottery tickets that is staggering to me it is something I would never considered giving to a child.
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I learnt that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. –
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I was surprised to learn that many parents report giving their underaged kids lottery gifts and that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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I had no idea the average gambler started at 10 years old!!!
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wow the average problem gambler started at 10
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I had no idea about the correlation between scratch tickets and kids. I don’t know if I would give that as a gift anyways, but it’s something to think about!
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The average gambler started at 10 years old.
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The average gambler stars at age 10? WOW
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that you should Bring the conversation up naturally when you witness any gambling as a good starting point to discuss it with your children.
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I learned that Kids who say their parents have gambled in the past year are significantly more likely to participate in gambling activities themselves
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I learned that 35% of parents give children lottery tickets
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I learned that age 10 is the average age problem gambling starts
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i learned 35% of parents give their children lottery tickets. That’s crazy.
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I learned that the average gambler starts around the age of 10 – wow that is young 🙁
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I learned the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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the fact that a kid Is obsessed with the results of professional sports is a good sign that the kid is gambling.
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I learned that the average age gambling begins at in children is 10.
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I learned that gambling problems often start at ten years of age.
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I learned that Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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I learned that gambling problems often start at ten years of age.
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whoa – I read that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10
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I learned that 35% of BC parents gave their underage children lottery tickets
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gambling can start at any age.
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was surprised to read that …Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10
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I learned that the average gambler starts at age 10. Whoa!
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I learned that 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets to under age kids.
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I was surprised to learn that 35% of BC parents reported giving their kids lottery tickets.
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Average gambler starts at age 10
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Amazed the average gambler starts at age 10
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Many parents give kids lottery gifts and the average gambler starts at 10 yrs old.
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I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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I learned the most common gambling activities for kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets.
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I learned that 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age. That’s insane. This advertising campaign is needed!
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I learned that 43% of kids have gambled !
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Average problem gambler started at age 10.
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I learned that 35% of BC parents reported giving scratch tickets to their kids for Christmas
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Set a time limit before you play a game. It’s a good idea as time can fly by before you realize how long you’ve been sitting and playing!
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I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling by age 10.
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I think that one point about using hypothetical situations to explain the downsides of gambling to kids could be useful.
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i learned that 35% of BC parents give their kids scratch tickets for christmas!
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Wow…I had no clue – average problem gambler started gambling at age 10
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wow! what an eye opening article! I learned that kids can start gambling as young as 10!!!! that scares me since my son is 8!
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I learned that the best way to deal with the issue of gambling is to not avoid it but to openly discuss it with kids. Which I think is a smart approach because when they do come across gambling, personally or seeing a friend’s interest in it, then they’re better equipped to deal with it sensibly.
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Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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In Ontario you can buy lottery tickets at age 18
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The average gambler started at 10 years old. That is really hard to believe! Wow.
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I learned that 35% of BC parents give children lottery tickets
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Average gambler starts at the age of 10…yikes.
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More than a third (35%) of BC parents have reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children!
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surprised it starts as young as the age of 10
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35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age. Yikes!
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I learned that the types of gambling activities with the most participation by kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets, poker and betting on the outcome of a game.
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I learned that gambling can start at age 10.
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I learne that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. Wow that’s young!
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Scratch & Win tickets are not appropriate for those under 19 yoa.
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The average age of gambling starts at 10? I can’t believe it!
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Oh my … I learned that 35% of parents give children lottery tickets! Unbelievable!
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Learned that 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age. Surprised that many give then kids age inappropriate gifts
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It is absolutely shocking to me as a parent to discover the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. That is incredible. I’m thankful to have read this & learned the signs to watch for!
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scary thought- average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10 – WOW
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I was amazed that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10 and some parent give their kids scratch tickets.
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the average gambling problem started at age 10. That’s young!
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I learned that the average gambler started at 10 years old
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I learned that 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age
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i am very surprised to learn that 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age.
Don’t understand that at all to be honest!
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i learned that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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I learned that the average problem gambler starts around age 10….WOW! I have a lot of gambling addicts in my family but haven’t ever seen any start this young. I wonder if there are signs that I had missed.
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The average gambled started at age 10 – crazy!!!
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I learned Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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I learned that the types of gambling activities with the most participation by kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets, poker and betting on the outcome of a game.
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I’m surprised parents think giving scratch tickets to minors is okay. Lack of common sense.
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the average problem gambler started at 10
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I’m so surprised that 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to underage kids. I would never even think to buy one for a kid.
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35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts. WOW!
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the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10 – Crazy!
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i learned that some gamblers start as young as 10!!!
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i was shocked to learn that average problem gambler started gambling at age 10–thats crazy
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I had no idea the average problem gambler started at 10. Wow….
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I was surprised to see that 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age
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Wow the average problem gambler started at 10 that’s crazy
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average problem gambler started at age 10, wow that is super scary
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The average gambler started at 10 years old.
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Kids should not be given scratch cards, it is gambling and you have to be over 18.
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I learned that you have to watch for signs such as
money or possessions go missing from the house
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I learned that Scratch & Win tickets are a form of gambling
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wow the average problem gambler starts at age 10! thats really young!
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I learned that kids are more attracted to risk-taking behaviour than others which can lead to more and more gambling regardless of the negative outcome.
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I learned that they start as early as 10 years old. That’s crazy!
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The average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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Sometimes parents have to look to their own words and behaviours to see where kids get their lottery inspirations.
Before Ontario put an 18+ plus requirement on lottery ticket sales, a youth could easily play scratch cards or Wintario. Wintario would travel to different communities -who would not want to try to win a jackpot to improve a home or personal situation.
But yes in the 21st century, lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for kids.
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The average gambler starts at 10 years old.
I’m not too surprised. I was given scratch cards as a kid, and it sparked an interest in gambling for me. (First one i ever got, won $25) Took a lot of therapy and going broke to over come that addiction.
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average gambler started at 10!
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I learned 35% of BC parents have given lotto tickets to a kid under 19 – And why that’s a problem!
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I learned that “studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10”.
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I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
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Wow. Learned that average problem gambler started at age 10.
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I never thought of giving scratch and win tickets to kids… It makes sense not too since the average gambler started at age 10.
On another note, I love stockings! I still have my childhood stocking that I’ve given to my son.
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Wow, gambling at 10 years old? That’s crazy, but it makes sense if they aren’t being taught responsible habits.
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I learned that average problem gambler started at age 10.
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That average problem gambler started gambling at age 10
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The average problem gambler started at age 10! Yikes!
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Wow,i was shocked to read that 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age…what wrong with these parents….honestly thats breaking the law and not teaching their kids anything good.
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Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10
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I learned 35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age. – That’s crazy!
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I was amazed to learn that the average gambler starts at the age of ten.
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35% of parents are gifting lottery tickets to minors – what?! I never would have thought it would be so high! I also learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. Interesting. I do know that I was exposed to gambling when I was a minor – we used to go visit my Aunt and Grandma every summer and they did not give up their weekly bingo nights when we were there so we went with them. We played the bingo games (they bought us the cards), and they also had pull tab tickets, but I cannot remember what they were called, but I would use my money to buy them from my aunt (she had a job selling them at the bingo night) and one time I won $50! I have to admit, I still remember the rush of the win, and wanting to keep playing after that in case I won again, so I can see how gambling at a young age could lead to an addiction. This was in a very teeny tiny rural town in Manitoba, and in the 80s, when I think (or thought!) times were a bit different. Now I have to say that I do enjoy gambling, but I really only do it a few times a year – we go to the casino for my mom’s birthday and my birthday, and we buy scratch tickets for our own stockings at Christmas. But otherwise I don’t gamble much. Lucky I guess!
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The average gambler is 10. This is quite alarming and worrying me since my kid is 10.
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35% of BC parents reported giving lottery tickets as gifts to their children who were not yet of legal gambling age. thanks for the information.
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Wow! I had no idea how young gambling often starts. I was surprised to read how many parents get their underage kids scratch tickets.
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I was surprised to learn that many parents report giving their underage kids lottery gifts.
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The average age that gambling issues begin is ten
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I learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. Children are so young and very impressionable at that age.
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I agree if you are going to gamble do so responsibly or not at all’ Merry Christmas everyone.
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Parents need to be informed and responsible when giving or allowing kids to have lottery tickets. Parents reported giving children lottery tickets as gifts. That is not an age appropriate gift.
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The average age that gambling issues begin is ten
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35% of parents give children lottery tickets—unbelievable
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The average gambler started at age 10.
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the average problem gambler starts at age 10.. wow
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I was a bit surprised by the fact that 35% of parents give children lottery tickets, although I do remember my dad buying them and letting me scratch them as a kid. Although I also used to take notes to the corner store and buying his girlfriend cigarettes so times have changed. People are becoming more aware about the impacts of choices such as these!
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Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. I remember getting tickets as a stuffer that young
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I learned the problem gamblers beginning age can be 10 years old.