In some families, scratch games will be present this evening at the foot of the tree and will be offered to the children. However, this gift can increase the risk of developing an addiction, according to the National Gaming Authority.
- Although more than half of French people believe that it is inconceivable to give scratching games to a child as a gift, a quarter could do it.
- However, 93% of respondents are aware that this practice is “very dangerous” for children.
- “The earlier gambling occurs, the greater the risk of addiction. (…) Gambling is not trivial, and this activity should not be trivialized,” according to the president of the ANJ .
26%. This is the proportion of people who could give scratch cards (Astro, Banco, Goal, etc.) to a child as a Christmas present. This is what revealed an investigationrequested by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) in Toluna – Harris interactive. To carry out this survey, the team recruited a sample of 2,073 people representative of French people aged 18 and over. After taking into account the sex, age, region and socio-professional category of the participants, she analyzed the answers they gave during an online questionnaire on their gift intentions for the children around them. In detail, the latter was completed from December 5 to 9.
“46% of respondents have already given their own child a scratching game”
According to the results, if 54% of those questioned believe that giving scratch games to a child is inconceivable, a quarter have already placed this gift under the tree. Generally speaking, adults who have already given them are more convinced by the unisex, child-friendly and pleasant nature associated with these gifts. On the other hand, the fact of being able to earn pocket money or that it is a game suitable for a child is more criticized by the volunteers surveyed. Data shows that, most often, scratch games are given by parents. “46% of respondents have already given their own child a scratching game”in front of gifts given within siblings, for nephews or nieces, grandchildren or children of friends. This practice does not appear particularly linked to the social category of the parents.
This year, at Christmas, 14% of parents say they will give their children a scratch card game. However, scratch games are clearly identified, by 77% of people who have already offered them, as prohibited for sale to minors, although the ban on sale for other types of games (sports betting, poker and horse racing betting) be more recognized. In the ranking of dangerous activities for children, gambling comes in third position for 94% of French people, before social networks and screens. In first and second place, we find drugs (98%) and alcohol (94%).
The ANJ invites parents not to trivialize gambling
For 93% of participants, playing gambling games is a practice “very dangerous” and that children who entertain themselves in this way risk developing an addiction. This perception of dangers also exists among those who offer them (87%). “Studies show that the earlier gambling is started, the greater the risk of addiction. With this survey, the ANJ wishes to remind parents that gambling is not trivial, and that this activity should not be trivialized. If they only remember one thing, it is that gambling is not child’s play!” concluded Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the independent administrative authority.
