Who you spend your time with can make a big difference. The people you include, invite, and support are key to preventing risky choices like gambling. This is especially true in moments when things could get challenging. Therefore, inclusion is prevention.

If you’re a teen in New York, chances are you know someone who’s gambled. This includes buying scratch-offs, betting on sports, or playing online games for real or virtual money. In fact, a recent study showed that 23% of students said they gambled at least once in the last year (OASAS, 2022). 65% said they preferred to gamble on weekends, when they have more time, less structure, and sometimes fewer adults around (OASAS, 2022).

Inclusion Is Prevention

Gambling doesn’t just happen in isolation. For teens, it often starts as a social activity. An example is when someone suggests betting on a video game, or there’s pressure to join in “just for fun.” But having friends who care, include others, and look out for each other makes healthy choices much easier.

Everyone wants to belong. And when someone feels excluded, judged, or alone, they may be more likely to take risks to feel accepted or escape stress. That’s why inclusion isn’t just about kindness. Inclusion is prevention.

What You Can Do as a Friend

You don’t need a title or position to be a leader. You just need to care. Here are ways you and your friends can create a safer, more inclusive space and help prevent gambling along the way:

1. Invite, Don’t Exclude
   Whether it’s sitting with someone at lunch, inviting them to a club, or adding them to your group chat, small actions of inclusion matter. Feeling accepted and connected lowers the chances that someone turns to gambling or other risky behaviors.
2. Fill Your Time with Purpose
   Join or start a school club, play a sport, get involved in 4H, or support causes that matter to you. These kinds of activities give you more than something to do; they give you people to do it with.
3. Watch Out for Each Other
   If someone in your group talks about betting or shows signs of stress, check in. Be the friend who helps them walk away or suggests something better to do. It might seem small, but it’s powerful.
4. Be the Example
   A huge 85% of youth say their parents think it’s wrong for them to gamble (OASAS, 2015). But your friends may care even more about your opinion. When you show that you don’t need to gamble to belong, others are more likely to follow your lead.

Let’s Redefine What It Means to Belong

Inclusion isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making sure no one feels like they have to take risks to feel seen, valued, or heard. Whether someone’s new, struggling or just different, when you include your peers, you’re helping prevent real harm.

So next time you’re hanging out with friends, remember: your choices can shape the culture around you. Let’s build one where everyone belongs and collectively prevent underage gambling. 

Support For Peers

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.