Pennsylvania regulator launches campaign to raise awareness of underage gambling
The “What’s Really at Stake” campaign will include materials for educational institutions.
US.- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of underage gambling problems. The “What’s Really at Stake” campaign will include social media posts, online advertising, a website and promotional materials.
The PGCB reported that materials are available to individuals, educational institutions and counsellors. The campaign coincides with the national Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the start of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.
The regulator stated that, according to various studies, 75 per cent of US college students gambled in the past year, with 18 per cent gambling weekly or more frequently. It stated that at the same time, only 22 per cent of US colleges and universities have formal policies on gambling.
It added that 58 per cent of 18–22-year-olds engaged in sports betting, with 6 per cent reporting losing over $500 in a single day. Additionally, 14 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women report knowing where to seek help. It said that 33.7 per cent of youth under 18 gambled in a year.
PGCB executive director Kevin O’Toole said: “The legalised gambling the PGCB regulates, and in particular online gambling, is intended for those 21 years and older. The licensed operators in Pennsylvania have various tools within their systems to deny gambling privileges to those underage, but the proliferation of easily accessible illegal and unregulated sites that do not carry those protections to block underagers is a substantial reason in creating this negative situation.”
Josh Ercole, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA, added: “In recent years, calls to the helpline regarding young individuals in Pennsylvania have increased. With so much access and availability, especially in unregulated forms of gambling, it is critical to have open discussions about risks and potential harms. It is also important to understand that while underage individuals playing games like these may seem innocent, early exposure and participation can lead to future problems.”
Michigan regulator expands responsible gaming advertising programme
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) recently announced the expansion of its “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gaming programme by inviting high school sports booster clubs to participate. The project supports local athletic programmes financially while delivering responsible gaming messaging to youth. Participating organisations can earn up to $4,000 by running responsible gaming ads that drive awareness and community engagement.
Advertising can include digital and social media ads featuring “Don’t Regret the Bet” messaging, placement in event programmes, scoreboards, and booster newsletters, and branded posters and graphics distributed for school sporting events.
