The Texas Lottery Commission is telling parents to keep the scratch-offs out of the kids' Christmas goodies this year. Joining a national movement to curb underage gambling, the Commission is making a list—and checking it twice—to ensure that scratch-off tickets don’t end up being unwrapped by anyone under the age of 18.

The Texas Lottery has been a colossal jackpot jamboree since '92, tossing out more than $80 billion in prize money, according to My San Antonio. But it's time to rein in the reindeers, as the commission wants to totally avoid encouraging any form of child's play when it comes to gambling this holiday season.

And it's not just coal in the stocking for those who don't comply—it's about protecting the youngsters from the potential harm that could come from early exposure to gambling. "The potential long-term risk associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated," said Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, in a statement cited by My San Antonio. He bestowed praise upon the initiative, emphasizing that "we must continue to insist that lottery tickets are never appropriate for children."

So while the Texas Lottery Commission spreads its message far and wide, like a festive North Pole broadcast, parents and family members are encouraged to come up with alternative gifts.