AIBU to think a birthday scratch card win was harmless fun?

Well, some retail workers do care, and so they should.

I spent some time working in Retail and I know if an employee sells age-restricted items to the wrong age-group the seller can be prosecuted.

https://noidnosale.com/age-restricted-products-and-services-in-the-uk

Some people think they can break the law with impunity and that it's 'no big deal', until of course, it bites them on the bum...

It’s absolutely fine. Your mate sounds jealous and a bit ridiculous.

Let your daughter (see what i did there!) enjoy her good luck and spending her winnings wherever she likes.

Honestly though...who actually cares?! 😂

I have no issues with the odd scratchcard for a child. Other people do, fine, everyone's different. I suspect very few people base that decision on 'the law'.

But surely you can talk to your child about it. And say how wonderfully lucky it is. And usually you don’t get anything.

It’s like saying eating a slice of chocolate cake is a slippery slope to binge eating the whole cake. It’s a silly comment and just ignore. Most behaviours are about the intention and extent / amount. The odd scratch card is harmless fun.

See my post at 7.33 am.

That's all irrelevant as it could be breaking the law -

www.tssw.org.uk/work-areas/national-lottery-law-change/

As a one of bit of fun l have no idea why anyone would get uptight about it . Raffles and lucky dips and competitions are part of life and l doubt you’ve set up a gambling problem in a 13 yr old who wouldn’t be able to buy scratch cards anyway ! When l was young my dad used to let us pick a horse on the Grand National every year . it never won and eventually we weren’t even interested in taking part.

Omg I can imagine the excitement when she realised she won £100. She’ll definitely remember this birthday.

Everyone needs to lighten up, it’s a one off with a happy result.

I did not know the age limit had changed until I read this thread (wouldn't buy for a child anyway, but didn't know it had been adjusted). Is it an underage player, a purchaser or a seller who is breaking the law if a parent buys for a child, as in the op?

I think so. I get my kids a scratch card in their stocking (teenagers).

I suppose the risk is that a £100 win might tempt them to try cards as a way out of debt in the future. I'm not convinced my DD would be totally unaffected by a win like that, age 14.

That said, I reckon the comments about not worrying due to it being a one-off are also valid.

Dear Me.
I am gob smacked by some of the mean, plain silly, po face and woke posts about your this subject.

You bought the card for your daughter 13, as a present..Great dea and it was only £5. And she was lucky and won £100. Good for her. Hope she enjoys her winnings

Some of these posters seem to think this example is morally reprehensible, and will turn your daughter into a bad person and compulsive gambler overnight.

Do you have a branch of Gamblers Anonymous near to where you live.Just in case?

When.l was a child. Dad used to give us 2/6d . Twelve and a half pence to have a bet on the Grand National every year..We had goodbfamily fun watching the race on TV .

We never once won anything. Bur it is a great family memory.

I do agree gambling can get out of control for some people.And can have serious and sad consequences

But please give people a break. To have a bit of fun now the then to enjoy a flutter.

You bought it, the card won, enjoy! Xxx

I work in this area. Struggling due to ‘normalisation of this behaviour’ is from repeated behavioural patterns, not a one-off incident such as a scratch card; trust me!!!

Congratulations 🎊 Bit of fun no big deal.

Do you understand that some people get addicted and normalization of this behaviour is part of why that happens? Its no more harmless than alcohol. Yes, many people can manage to use it responsibly. But a significant number develop massive problems which can ruin, not only their lives, but the lives of people around them. Is not being joyless to express concern over that.

I see the fun police are out in force..

Probably not going to destroy her life but it is illegal. You need to be 18 to buy, play or claim a win from scratchcards. Including being given as a gift. At least you know for next time!

I have bought my kids a scratch card each in their stocking at Christmas since they were about 10. Eldest is now 18 and not showing any signs of a gambling addiction!

But OPs daughter did win-and therein lies the problem. She's already had that dopamine rush.

I used to play it weekly (made the mistake of picking numbers) and think if I had saved all those £2's over the years I wouldnt need to win the lottery!

As the spouse of a scratch card addict, no I dont see it as harmless fun at all. I used to, and didn't think anything of them being put in his bday cards. I understand not everyone will end up this way, but you never know who it will be, and you cant tell by looks or lifestyle so you never know who is going through it, or who is likely to end up with a problem.

Think there are some over the top comments here. I think it’s no issue for a treat. I used to do the lottery every week with my dad. Lots of fun. I am not a gambler or scarred for life. Never do the lottery now. If anything it taught me you never win.

I used to ask my dad to put dog bets on for me when I was a kid and had no idea how cruel it is 😞

They were 27p (27 x1p forecasts) that accumulated. I invariably won a few quid regularly. I was about 12/13. I haven't turned into a hardcore gambler or anything.

I hope she enjoys spending her £100!!!

No, that’s a weird present for a 13 year old