According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, a large number of young people report their first gambling experience occurs around 9 to 11 years of age. Early gambling experiences, including lottery products, are risk factors for later problem gambling. Research has also shown that approximately 80% of high school aged adolescents report having gambled for money during the past year. While male adolescents gamble more frequently than females, female adolescents are more actively involved in lottery play.

With the holidays approaching and gift-giving being on the forefront of most minds, prevention specialists at Community and Family Resources will be promoting the Responsible Gambling Holiday Lottery Campaign through central and north central Iowa. This campaign raises awareness about the risks of youth gambling and educates communities on the dangers of buying lottery tickets for children. Public education campaigns, like the Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling Campaign, play an important role in changing social norms and providing basic facts and education.

Community and Family Resources welcomes the opportunity to present to your business, meeting, or group, free of charge, to educate the public on the risks of problem gambling. Please contact us at 866-801-0085. Information presented in this PSA is sourced from the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviors.

Community and Family Resources offers substance use, mental health, and problem gambling treatment and prevention services. Counties served by CFR include Boone, Calhoun, Franklin, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Story, Webster, and Wright. In fiscal year 2019, CFR offered treatment services to 2,684 individuals and reached 8,075 individuals through prevention services in schools, businesses, and community groups. For additional information, visit CFR’s website at www.cfrhelps .org or call 515-576-7261.

Keri Morris is the marketing manager at Community and Family Resources.