Scratch-Offs Not Appropriate For Children

{Louisville, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Lottery is discouraging customers from buying scratch-off tickets for children. Spokesman Chip Polson says studies show gambling can have a negative effect on children. He says it isn't illegal to give tickets to a child, but it isn't advised. Lottery officials say research indicates the earlier that young people begin to gamble, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem or addiction. Warning signs of children's possible gambling behavior are frequent unexplained absences, sudden drop in grades, withdrawal from friends, lying about gambling, possession of gambling materials and increased use of gambling language.