Timed with Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the NCAA basketball tournaments, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has initiated a new campaign aimed at promoting responsible gambling, particularly among youth.
The PGCB's latest advertising effort targets the increasing trend of young individuals participating in gambling activities, as highlighted in their press release announcing the initiative.
The campaign, titled “What’s Really at Stake,” utilizes social media, online advertisements, promotional materials, and a dedicated website (WhatsReallyatStake.com) to raise awareness about this pressing issue.
This initiative coincides with the national Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) and the onset of March Madness, one of the largest betting events in the United States. All resources related to the campaign are available for free download on the website for individuals, educational institutions, and counselors.
In his statement, PGCB Executive Director Kevin O’Toole emphasized the agency's primary mission to safeguard the public. He noted that while ensuring fair gaming for adults, the campaign also seeks to protect young people. It aims to reach not only at-risk youth but also their families and educators.
O’Toole pointed to the rise of illegal and unregulated gambling sites as a significant factor contributing to this issue. He stated, “The legalized gambling that the PGCB oversees, particularly online gambling, is meant for individuals aged 21 and older. Although licensed operators in Pennsylvania have mechanisms to prevent underage gambling, the availability of unregulated sites that lack such protections poses a substantial risk.”
Recent studies underscore the growing problem of gambling among youth. According to CollegeGambling.org, 75% of college students in the U.S. engaged in gambling over the past year, with 18% gambling weekly or more frequently. Alarmingly, only 22% of colleges and universities in the U.S. have formal gambling policies.
Additionally, a 2023 NCAA report revealed that 58% of 18-22-year-olds, including college students, participated in sports betting, with 6% reporting losses exceeding $500 in a single day. Furthermore, only 14% of men and 16% of women knew where to find help.
Research from AddictionCenter.com indicated that 6% of college students qualify as having a serious gambling problem, nearly double the rate for adults (3%). A study by Mass.gov found that 33.7% of youth under 18 engaged in gambling over the course of a year.
Moreover, PGCB referenced findings from a recent Common Sense Media study, which noted that over one-third of boys aged 11-17 gambled in the past year, as reported by Gambling Insider in February.
Josh Ercole, Executive Director of Pennsylvania’s Council on Compulsive Gambling (CCGPA), remarked that the increased accessibility of unregulated online gambling is impacting youth. Consequently, more young people are seeking help through the helpline 1-800-GAMBLER. He noted, “In recent years, calls to the helpline about young individuals in Pennsylvania have risen. With the extensive access to unregulated gambling, it is crucial to have open discussions about the associated risks and potential harms. It is also vital to recognize that early exposure to such activities, while seemingly innocent, can lead to significant issues.”