Heard your students talking a lot about the latest poker tournament? Seen them exchanging cash over the football game? 

With the increasing availability, accessibility, and acceptability of gambling, more young people are gambling than ever. What may seem like harmless fun can actually develop into a serious problem for some people.  As educators, you play an important role in the prevention of problem behaviors among young people. 

Three key points you need to know about youth gambling:

1. Gambling is not a safe alternative to alcohol or drug use.  Many people think that poker cards among friends is totally safe because young people are not drinking or smoking. The truth is, while most people don't have problems when they gamble, more young people are developing problems with gambling. Consequences of problem gambling include more than lost money. Depression, social withdrawal, and school dropout are just a few of the consequences of a gambling problem.

1. Many teens already have gambling problems.  It may only be a harmless bet of a dollar or two, but it can become a lot more serious. An Oregon study showed that one in every 25 teens (4%) have a gambling problem. An additional 15% are at risk for developing a gambling problem.

1. Teens are only a few years away from being adults who can gamble legally.  Honest education about gambling is important to preparing young people to make responsible choices.

How we can support you--and not add extra work!

Problem gambling prevention efforts are meant to supplement your current classroom activities--not to add more work for you.

Here are some things we can offer you:

• In-class interactive, informative, and fun workshops that:

  - Educate youth on responsible, healthy choices

  - Help youth recognize the difference between responsible and problem gambling

  - Provide resources for which youth can seek help for family or friends who might have a gambling problem

• Adding an easy plug-in component to your existing alcohol, tobacco, or other drug curriculum
• Presentations to educators, administrators, and parent groups
• Problem gambling awareness poster creation (visit the poster gallery)
• Youth video: great supplement, only eight minutes long (view the video here)
• Student incentives provided
• And more--contact us!