Youth Prevention

The legal age to gamble in Nevada is 21, and yet many young people begin gambling much sooner. In a youth survey conducted in Nevada, 67% of the adolescents said they had gambled at least once in their lifetime; 49% had gambled in the last year, 17% gambled at least once a month and 7% reported they gamble weekly.

Some adults might think, “What’s the big deal? It’s just gambling. There are worse things a teenager could be doing!” Maybe not - since that same study also shows that about 10% of young people who gamble are at risk for developing a gambling problem and another 2% have already become problem gamblers.

'Given the Chance' Click for a video clip When young people gamble its not always harmless fun – and they may be risking more than just money.

In this 45 minute interactive education session, students learn about the risks and consequences associated with teen gambling. At the core of this youth gambling awareness program is a dramatic film that takes a look at gambling, and its impact, through the eyes of a Nevada teen. This program is available free of charge* to Nevada middle schools, high schools, churches or community agencies to promote youth gambling awareness. Contact the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling at 702-369-9740 to learn how you can obtain this program for use in your organization or agency. *Support provided through the State of Nevada Revolving Account for the Prevention and Treatment of Problem Gambling.

Part of the Given The Chance Youth Gambling Awareness program is the Youth Gambling poster (pictured right). This poster was created to promote the program as well as generating overall awareness of Youth Gambling issues. The image used in the poster was orginally created by UNR student Derek Kolstad for his 2007 Project 21 submission.* If you think youth gambling is no big deal, think again.  Chances are you could end up losing a lot more than just money. Click HERE to view YOUTH GAMBLING Facts and Myths

*The Project 21 Nevada Scholarship Program encouraged young people to educate their peers that gambling under the age of 21 is illegal in the State of Nevada. From 2001 to 2007 the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling awarded $95,000 in education scholarships to Nevada students who created effective peer prevention messages.  Take a moment to visit our Program Gallery and see the remarkable participation and success of the Project 21 Nevada Scholarship Program!

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