Early exposure to or participation in gambling during childhood is correlated with the development of a gambling problem later in life, which can come through lottery tickets or scratch-offs, according to a group called the Butler County Prevention Team.

The group, associated with Butler First Step and the Butler County Drug & Alcohol Program, is aiming to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use through the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign this season.

As a participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, during the month of December the Butler County Prevention Team will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use.

“Youth gambling is a growing risk that too often goes overlooked,” said Derek Longmeier, president of the National Council on Problem Gambling’s board of directors. “The Gift Responsibly Campaign plays a vital role in helping families and communities understand the importance of keeping lottery products out of kids’ hands.

“We’re grateful to (the) Butler County Prevention Team for joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”

The Butler County Prevention Team will be posting information throughout December on the Butler Step Facebook page and its website, butlerfirststep.org.

“The Butler County Prevention Team regularly provides prevention programming for alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and problem gambling so this was a natural fit for us to help get the information out to the public,” said Lisa Gill, a prevention specialist with Butler County Drug & Alcohol Program.