Preventing lottery ticket sales to minors: factors influencing retailers' compliance behaviour

Abstract

Despite legal prohibitions to restrict the availability of lottery products to minors, research shows a high prevalence of lottery playing among adolescents. This study examined factors influencing vendor compliance with minimum-age legislation to better understand how underage youth acquire lottery products. To provide perspective, accessibility to lottery products and alcohol was compared. Six under-age youths (three males, three females; mean 15.8 years) each attempted to purchase a scratch card, a beer, or both products in a sample of convenience stores (494 purchase attempts). Results revealed that only a moderate proportion of vendors (60%) were compliant with existing statutes. The gender of the purchaser and vendor, and the type of store were found to be significant in the prediction of youths' ability to purchase controlled products. Results suggest possible mechanisms involved in the compliance or non-compliance with regulations, and imply considerations for awareness-raising among vendors in terms of controlled products.

Keywords:

• lotteries
• regulation
• adolescence
• gambling
• prevention

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la société et la culture (FQRSC).