Lottery Tickets & Gambling Aren’t Child’s Play
DORCHESTER TOYS FOR TOTS
The Massachusetts Partnership on Responsible Gambling Partners Participate in Annual Toy Drive
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling (MCCG) and the Massachusetts Partnership for Responsible Gambling (MPRG) are participating in an annual toy drive to raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling and educate communities on the dangers of buying lottery tickets for children.
BRAINTREE TOYS FOR TOTS
Adult problem gamblers report an earlier onset of gambling, often beginning between the ages of 10-19, with some studies showing children even younger being involved in gambling activities.
Lotteries and local casinos from around the U.S. participate in this effort as well as other organizations to encourage giving toys over tickets for the holiday season. Here in Massachusetts, participants include: The Mass. Lottery, Plainridge Park Casino (PPC), Encore Boston Harbor (EBH), Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling as well as our Connecticut partner, Mohegan Sun.
WOBURN TOYS FOR TOTS
“Through their generous support of our toy drive, our customers are making the holidays brighter for many families in need this season, and we are grateful for their kindness,” said Michael Sweeney, Executive Director of the Mass Lottery. “The holidays are also a good time to remind people that Lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for anyone under the age of 18.”
“We are thrilled to again participate in the Toys for Tots program with the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and the Massachusetts Partnership on Responsible Gambling. The generosity of our patrons, Team Members, and members of the community in and around Plainville has been overwhelming and defines the spirit of the season,” said Lisa McKenney, Compliance Manager for PPC.
PPC TOYS FOR TOTS
“Every child deserves to have that little moment of joy during the holiday season when they receive that special gift,” said Marlene Warner, Executive Director of the Mass. Council. “We hope this toy drive can help provide those moments for kids most in need. We want to thank our partners in the Mass. Partnership for Responsible Gambling for their participation and their commitment to this worthy cause.”
“We’re happy to collect these toys for those in need while spreading the message of responsible gambling during this holiday season”, said Don Trella, Vice President of Human Resources for Mohegan Sun. “Educating people on responsible gaming is important work and we take a great deal of pride in being able to a part of campaigns like this.”
“Giving back to the local community here in Everett and throughout New England is vitally important to us,” stated Jacqui Krum, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Encore Boston Harbor. “We look forward to participating in the toy drive annually. Encore Boston Harbor is excited to see this effort grow tremendously year over year as it means more families can have a great holiday season!”
Founded in 1983, the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private, non-profit health agency. The Mass. Council advocates for responsible gaming and gambling practices and services for those affected by gambling. We aim to reduce the impacts of gambling disorder and strive to make gambling healthy and safe for the people of Massachusetts. We are neither for nor against legalized gambling. We accomplish our mission through education, advocacy, and by providing resources. We serve people who gamble, their families, caregivers, and the community at large.
If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you know, if you are looking for more information, or you would like to help support our mission to assist more residents, please visit our website
www.masscompulsivegambling.org.
To speak with a helpline specialist call 800-426-1234 or use the chat function on our website.