Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a time to focus on how we can stop gambling problems, especially among youth and young adults. By preventing gambling harm we can make our communities stronger and safer. New data shows us the risks of gambling, but it also shows how we can take action to protect our youth. In this post, we’ll talk about how we can work together to help prevent gambling harm and support our local communities.
Youth Gambling: Helping Young People Make Safe Choices
A recent study found that 23% of students have gambled at least once in the last year (NYSEDU, 2021). Gambling is when you risk something valuable, like money, for a chance to win a reward. 30% of students who gambled said it was easy to start gambling (OASAS, 2022). With phones, computers, and video games making gambling easier to access, it’s important to protect our youth from the dangers of gambling.
By talking to kids, giving them the right information, and offering help, we can prevent gambling problems before they start. Helping youth make good choices today will lead to a healthier future for everyone.
Young Adults: Helping Young People Avoid Gambling Problems
Young adults, especially those between 18 and 24, are at a higher risk for developing gambling problems (OASAS, 2020). With mobile sports betting, fantasy leagues, and video games becoming more popular, gambling can seem normal. This can lead to serious problems. By teaching young adults about the risks of gambling and giving them the tools to make smart decisions, we can help them stay safe and remain healthy.
Supporting young adults with the right information will help them avoid gambling harm. By working together, we can make our communities stronger and safer for everyone.
Parents: Starting Conversations About Gambling
Parents are key in preventing gambling problems. A study shows that 65% of students who gambled did so on weekends (OASAS, 2022). This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and talk about what their kids are doing. Asking simple questions like, “What games are you playing?” and “How does spending money on that game make you feel?” can help start important conversations about gambling.
By talking openly with their kids, parents can help them make safe choices and avoid gambling problems. Together, we can create a safer environment for our youth.
Community Leaders: Helping Create Gambling-Free Events
Community leaders can make a big difference by hosting gambling-free events. Many students gamble by playing bingo, raffles, or games of skill like pool and darts (OASAS, 2022). These are often part of community events. Instead of promoting gambling, we can host events that are fun and safe for everyone.
Ideas for gambling-free fundraising activities include silent auctions, costume contests, and dress-down days. These activities help protect our youth while still raising money for important causes.
Working Together for a Stronger, Safer Community
By preventing youth and young adult gambling, we are helping make our communities better. Problem Gambling Awareness Month reminds us that we can all take steps to protect our youth from the dangers of gambling. When we work together—whether we are parents, community leaders, or just neighbors—we can make a big difference.
Let’s make Problem Gambling Awareness Month a time to take action, learn more, and help protect our youth from the harm of gambling. Together, we can make a difference!
Support Services
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.