Teen Gambling Awareness Materials Now Available

For 6 to 9 million Americans each year, gambling becomes an issue that causes serious financial and legal problems, loss of personal relationships, and damage to physical and mental health.  Opportunities for gambling and social acceptance of gambling have increased dramatically in recent years. 

Teens are especially susceptible to becoming problem gamblers.  Approximately 4%-8% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age meet the criteria for a gambling problem and another 10%-15% are at risk of developing a problem.  The earlier in life a person starts gambling, the more likely they are to become a problem gambler.  If unchecked, problem gambling can lead to loss of large sums of money, damaged personal relationships, crime, substance abuse, depression, and even suicide.

In an effort to build awareness of this important issue, Preventionfocus, Inc. has created materials using the slogan “Teen Gambling:  It’s a Bad Bet!” to help parents, educators, youth workers, and teens themselves understand the scope of problem gambling and recognize the warning signs so more teens get help when they need it.  Fact sheets for educators and parents, posters, and table tent cards are all available free of charge while supplies last.  For more information, contact Suzanne Berst at 884-3256, ext. 206 or spberst@pfocus.org.