The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and disordered gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by problem gambling. NYCPG maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors.

Part of what we do at NYCPG is working with communities and groups to prevent youth gambling.

There are so many other issues, why should I be concerned about youth gambling?

Problem gambling can start young; really young. In fact, 39.5% of youth age 12-17 have gambled this past year, and 30% of these youth state that they began gambling at age 10 or younger. This is significantly higher than the percentage of youth who began using cigarettes, alcohol or marijuana before age ten, which ranges from 12.5% to 13.9%. Gambling before the age of 10 and can lay the foundation of seeking excitement through risky behaviors in the future, such as using cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. The earlier a child starts gambling, the more likely they are to have problems due to gambling.

Today, the explosion of internet gambling and gaming opportunities, the recent legalization of mobile sports betting, and the inescapable advertising is taking a toll on the normalization of gambling for youth. Marketing of mobile sports betting and gambling in gaming is everywhere, from television to the corner store, and relentlessly exposing our children to enticing messages of winning, risk-taking and excitement from a very early age. Mobile sports betting is changing how youth view sports, and the line between gambling and gaming is getting blurrier every day. We all need to take action. 

How can parents and PTAs reduce the risks associated with youth gambling?

Talking to youth about the risks and consequences of engaging in underage gambling activities can make a difference in the choices they make. Parents and caregivers, educators and community members can take steps to prevent youth gambling behaviors.

YOU Decide is a project dedicated to empowering individuals under 25 to make educated decisions about gambling, to increase awareness of underage gambling among parents and community influencers, and to increase community readiness to prevent underage gambling by reducing youth access to gambling. To learn more visit our website at www.YOUDecideNY.org 

Together, we can Empower Every Child to be Gambling Free!