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15% of Ohio's youth ages 12-17 report lying about how much or hiding how much they gamble.

GAMBLING CAN BE A

GAME CHANGER.

Don't let it change your future.

Get the Facts
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Gambling is any act that involves risking money or valuables on the outcome of a game or contest that is mostly determined by chance.

GET THE FACTS

15% of Ohio’s youth ages 12-17 report lying about or hiding how much they gamble. 

Children who gamble before age 12 are at 4x greater risk for problem gambling.

Between 60%-80% of high school students report having gambled for money during the past year.

96% of adolescents are exposed to gambling ads.

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Youth are gambling through lottery tickets, internet challenges, fantasy sports, videos games & apps, online sports betting, and school sports betting. 

Kids Who Gamble are More Likely To:

  • Fall behind in class

  • Have depression & anxiety

  • Have damaged relationships

  • Drink & use illegal drugs

  • Get into fights or criminal activity

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For Parents

FOR PARENTS

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Problem gambling rates in youth are 2-3 times higher than adults.

With all the challenges your child faces, you might not be worried about gambling.

 

Yet kids & teens are at risk for problem gambling.

TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN.

 Parents play a major role in preventing problem gambling about youth. 

Here is a guide with tips.

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66% of parents rarely or never have conversations with their children about gambling.

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KNOW THE SIGNS. 

Preventing problem gambling starts with knowing what to look for. 

Teen Gambling Warning Signs

  • Missing classes or school

  • Changes in personality or behavior

  • Withdrawing from family & friends

  • Unusual interest in sports scores

  • Borrowing or stealing money

  • Bragging about gambling

HOW THEY'RE GAMBLING

Video games and apps replicate gambling and can contain in-game risk-based purchases. 

Video Games & Gambling

  • Video games replicate gambling for youth with daily rewards that they can play for hours.

  • Loot Boxes, Skins, and Spin-to-Win are real-life purchases determined by chance, which simulates gambling.

  • Innocent-looking games with rewards can seem harmless but can lead to life-long issues.

  • Prohibit micro-transactions and set parental controls on devices to prevent gambling.

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For Youth

FOR YOUTH

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6.5% of 14–21 year-olds are at risk for problem gambling.

Know the behaviors that put you at risk. What seems harmless could lead to lifelong issues.

Video games & apps replicate real-life gambling through Loot Boxes, Skins, and Spin-to-Win rewards.

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You could be gambling more than you realize.

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BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.

Answer these questions to see if you are at risk for getting caught up in gambling.

MANAGE YOUR TIME ONLINE.

Learn how to spend less time in front of your devices, and more time with friends or exploring other hobbies.

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Resources

RESOURCES

Your local MHRS Board provides youth and gambling-based services in the six-county service area.


Problem Gambling & Gambling Addiction TreatmentMuskingum Behavioral Health

Children & Teen Services: All MHRS contracted providers offer youth services. 

Community Resources: Local resources in each county for other supports like domestic violence services, food & housing assistance, legal services, employment assistance, medical health resources, and more. 

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