Lottery officials on P.E.I. are warning retailers across the province not to sell lottery tickets to minors. The move comes after CBC Radio found teens could easily buy scratch tickets at several locations.

The Island does not have a specific law which states retailers can't sell to people under 18. However, the licensing agreement signed between a retailer and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation forbids selling to minors.

Last spring's student drug survey found 70% of students in Atlantic Canada gamble.

Four to 7% of them are problem gamblers.

The game of choice for underage gamblers: scratch and win tickets.

So how easy is it to be underage and buy lottery tickets?

Last spring, CBC Radio sent a 17-year-old to 10 random retailers on the Island. She was able to buy tickets at every one.

Last week, a 15-year-old boy, went back to some of the same locations, as well as others, and was able to buy scratch tickets at eight of the 10.

A 12-year-old was able to buy at one of the 10.

"Our games are meant for adults," says Ginger Breedon, who represents P.E.I. on the Atlantic Lottery Corporation board. "In view of what you people have found, I'm going to be talking to Atlantic Loto and having them follow up with retailers in general, and being very clear, this is an activity which is not acceptable."

In light of the information gathered by CBC, the Prince Edward Island government is acting.

Warning letters are being sent out to retailers.

New signs displaying a toll-free number are going up right away at every loto outlet.

The public is encouraged to call the number if they see a retailer selling lotto tickets to minors.