Youth Gambling
Help For Youth Gambling | In-School Addiction Awareness Resources
| College-Aged Youth
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Seven Missouri high school seniors won scholarships in the 14th annual Project 21 Scholarship Contest, sponsored by the Missouri Gaming Association (MGA), the statewide trade organization representing casino operators in Missouri.
The awards included two $1,500 and four $1,000 scholarships. The students competed for the scholarships by creating and displaying/presenting an article, poster or video that educated their peers about the dangers of underage gambling.
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Anyone can. Even someone you're close to.
In Missouri, you must be at least 18 to legally play
the Lottery and 21 to visit Missouri's riverboat
casinos.
But an estimated 85 percent of high school students
have gambled at some time during their lives. The
majority of adult gambling addicts started gambling
as young as age10 on sports, card games and other
activities involving personal skill.
Are you concerned about a friend's gambling?
Does your friend:
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Gamble to escape worries or problems;
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Spend a lot of time gambling or talking about gambling;
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Seem uninterested in non-gambling activities; or
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Boast about winning, but doesn't talk about losing?
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Compulsive
gambling is a disease. And, like any disease, it
can be diagnosed and treated. But it's important
to do so right away. So if you know someone who
might have a gambling problem, do something about
it.
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- Do you think about gambling throughout the day?
- Do you often gamble longer than you planned?
- Do you ever gamble as a way of escaping from your problems?
- Do you get frustrated when you try to cut down or stop gambling?
- After losing, do you feel a need to gamble again to win the money back?
- Do you ever lie to your family or friends about how much you gamble?
- In the past year, have you spent your lunch or gas money on gambling?
- Have you ever stolen money or shoplifted to gamble?
- Are you having any problems with friends or family because of your gambling?
- Have you skipped classes/schoolwork or missed work, because you were gambling?
If
your friend answers "yes" to any of the
above questions, make sure he or she acknowledges
he or she might have a problem. Problem gamblers
and their family members can call 1-888-BETSOFF
(1-888-238-7633) to get in touch with people who
understand and who can help find free treatment
in their area.
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The
1-888-BETSOFF help line and the www.888betsoff.org
Web site were created to get problem gamblers the
help and information they need. Life is stressful
enough without a gambling addiction. Calling 1-888-BETSOFF
is the first step towards recovery.
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The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling has
created a campaign to help inform youth, parents,
school counselors and officials and the general
public about the dangers of gambling at a young
age.
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NOTE:
If you would like copies of the youth awareness
material available, please call (573) 526-7467 or e-mail
betsoff@molottery.com
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