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The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has launched a new public awareness campaign aimed at addressing the growing issue of underage gambling activities.
The initiative, titled “What’s Really at Stake,” is designed to raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling. It provides resources for students, parents, and educators.
The campaign will include social media outreach, online advertising, and a dedicated website – WhatsReallyatStake.com. At the website, educational materials and promotional resources can be downloaded for free.
PGCB announced the campaign as Problem Gambling Awareness Month begins in March. It’s also just ahead of March Madness, one of the most heavily wagered sporting events in the US.
Studies show widespread gambling by youth and college students
The campaign comes amid research showing gambling activity is common among young people and college students.
According to studies cited by the PGCB:
- 75% of U.S. college students gambled in the past year, with 18% reporting gambling weekly or more often
- 58% of people ages 18–22 have participated in sports wagering, with 6% reporting losses of more than $500 in a single day
- 6% of college students meet the criteria for a serious gambling problem, roughly double the US adult average of 3%
- 33.7% of youth under age 18 gambled within a one-year period
- More than one in three boys ages 11 to 17 reported gambling in the past year
At the same time, awareness of gambling support services remains limited. According to NCAA research, only 14% of men and 16% of women know where to seek help for gambling-related issues on campus.
PGCB says campaign supports public protection mission
PGCB Executive Director Kevin O’Toole said the campaign aligns with the agency’s mission of protecting the public. While that includes ensuring legal gambling is conducted fairly for adults, he said it also involves educating young people about potential harms:
“The legalized 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 under-agers is a substantial reason in creating this negative situation.”
The campaign’s messaging highlights the risks associated with illegal gambling platforms that lack safeguards to prevent minors from accessing wagering products.
Helpline seeing more calls involving young people
Josh Ercole, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, said the organization has seen an increase in calls involving younger people.
“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.”
Ercole added that early exposure to gambling can increase the likelihood of future problems.
“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.”
Additional resources available for educators and families
The campaign also coincides with the recent release of additional educational materials designed to help parents and educators address youth gambling by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs developed the resources. They are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Standards Aligned System website.
In addition to the campaign website, individuals seeking help for gambling-related issues can access support through the PGCB’s responsible gambling site at ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov or by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
