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The Gov. Josh Shapiro administration has launched a new set of online resources designed to help parents and educators recognize the warning signs of youth gambling and better understand how online wagering and gaming can impact young people.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), announced the free materials as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March. The initiative focuses on educating families and schools about how to identify risky behaviors tied to gambling and where to find help.
The centerpiece of the effort is the Promoting Awareness Around Online Gambling and Its Impact Toolkit, a resource designed to help adults understand how gambling exposure can affect children and teens.
DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said the aim is to get ahead of any problems.
“Knowledge is power. DDAP and our partners at PDE encourage teachers, students, families, and all Pennsylvanians to learn about the signs of problem gambling and use that knowledge to stop gambling issues before they start.
“We know that for substance use disorder, with the right treatment and supports, recovery is probable; the same holds true for problem gambling.”
Toolkit aims to help adults spot early warning signs
The toolkit acts as a one-stop resource for educators and parents. It includes information on gambling terminology young people may use, guidance on why gambling-related activities should be avoided in classrooms, and tips on using parental controls for gaming devices and apps.
It also highlights several potential early warning signs of gambling behavior among youth, including:
- Spending significant time on mobile devices or gaming platforms
- Losing interest in extracurricular activities
- Declining homework completion or grades
- Increased interest in sports statistics and scores
Education officials say providing this type of guidance is increasingly important as young people encounter gambling-like mechanics in video games, social media, and online sports content.
PDE Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe said the key is providing the right tools.
“Ensuring the wellness of our students starts with equipping them with the tools they need to recognize when something is dangerous or unhealthy, and to ask for help when they need it.
“Together, the Online Gambling and Information Literacy toolkits provide critical resources that can help educators, learners, and their families thoughtfully navigate today’s online world and avoid negative mental health impacts.”
Youth gambling participation remains a concern
State officials say the resources come at a time when exposure to gambling is becoming more common among younger audiences.
According to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, more than 20% of students in the state have gambled at some point.
CCGP Executive Director Josh Ercole said that is unacceptable.
“With increased accessibility to gambling, and activities that include gambling elements, reported problems among young individuals in Pennsylvania are growing.
“It is critical that parents, educators, and young people understand that early exposure and participation can lead to future issues.”
State data also suggests that online gambling continues to expand across Pennsylvania. A recent study conducted by Penn State in partnership with DDAP and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board found that between 17% and 30% of adults in the state participated in some form of online gambling last year.
Officials say those trends make prevention and education efforts increasingly important.
Help available for problem gambling
Pennsylvania residents experiencing gambling-related issues can access support through the state’s 24/7 confidential helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, which also offers online chat assistance.
The Shapiro administration said the new toolkits are part of broader efforts to improve information literacy among students and families and help the next generation navigate the digital environment more safely.
