For Educators & Counselors
Majoring in Wagering?
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 or counselors, you play an important role in the prevention of problem behaviors among your students.
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Three key points about youth gambling:
Why Should I be concerned about my Students?
Problem gambling affects school performance and increases the dropout rate. Many problem gamblers say they started out gambling at an early age--approximately 10 years old. About one in every 25 Oregon teens already has a gambling problem. Young people often don’t have well developed coping or decision-making skills. Young people can easily hide a gambling problem. There are no needle marks, drowsy walking, bloodshot eyes, or other tell-tale signs so that others can get help. The problem typically develops over several years. Without prevention efforts now, small problems can escalate into serious consequences down the line.
Problem gambling affects school performance and increases the dropout rate.
Many problem gamblers say they started out gambling at an early age--approximately 10 years old.
About one in every 25 Oregon teens already has a gambling problem.
Young people often don’t have well developed coping or decision-making skills.
Young people can easily hide a gambling problem.
There are no needle marks, drowsy walking, bloodshot eyes, or other tell-tale signs so that others can get help.
The problem typically develops over several years. Without prevention efforts now, small problems can escalate into serious consequences down the line.
One in 25
Is there a problem gambler in your class?
How we can support you.
Problem gambling prevention efforts are meant to supplement your current classroom activities, not to add more work for you! Here are some resources we can offer you:
Curriculum integration with Michigan Model, Life Skills Training, Project Northlan, and Project Alert (in progress) Problem gambling components that “plug in” to our existing substance abuse prevention curriculum Educational materials New youth gambling video and educational guide Presentations to educators, administrators, and parent groups Problem gambling awareness artwork search And more—contact us! State Gambling Services