Saratoga, N.Y.—February 19, 2014: Did you know that Adolescents Gamble than Use Tobacco, Hard Liquor, and Marijuana? Many people don’t, but thanks to a $15,000 grant from the New York Council on Problem Gambling, the Prevention Council will continue its prevention work on and about gambling. The 2015 You(th) Decide Project funding allows the Prevention Council to continue to raise awareness among youth and adults about the risks of youth gambling.
“Media literacy is an important element of youth gambling, we are committed to providing sessions focused on this issue with at least 100 youth aged 12-17. These youth will examine popular advertisements for gambling activities from scratch-offs to casino games, and scrutinize methods advertisers use to engage their audience and evaluate messages communicated by the ads” said Robin Lyle Coalition Development Director for the Prevention Council.
Outreach on this issue will happen throughout Saratoga County and Social media will play a key role, as well as, billboards and school newsletters. Prevention Council staff will be present at a number of tabling events, beginning with the Clifton Park Winterfest on Saturday, February 7th at the Clifton Park Center Mall.
Unique to this grant is an initiative to work with community leaders and groups in enacting a “gambling-free” policy or resolution. Teams of youth and adults will be mobilized and will engage with at least ten community organizations to discuss the importance of reducing youth access to gambling activities. Organizations that move forward with this initiative will be publically recognized.
To learn more about problem gambling visit: http://gambling.preventioncouncil.org/