Prevention of Problem Gambling
February 2000, Volume III, Issue 2

*A Monthly Newsletter on Problem Gambling Prevention Information, Research, and Initiatives*

"No progress has ever been made against an epidemic by treating only the casualties."

Alternative Activities As A Problem Gambling Prevention Strategy

Offering alternatives to traditional gambling activities for any given population is one of the prevention strategies presented in previous issues of this newsletter.

School personnel, youth serving organizations, parents and other adults have rarely focused their energy and creativity on alternative activities for gambling as gambling has not been perceived as behavior warranting serious concern. Oftentimes charitable gaming such as raffles, bingo and games of chance at fairs and bazaars is not recognized as gambling. Traditionally, these types of activities have been viewed as acceptable for youth participation and have become a staple in fund-raising efforts.

The three examples which follow may serve well as substitutes for at-risk behavior in general and gambling in particular.

Ongoing school/community sponsored recreational options (e.g. a teen center) open during those times that youth are least likely to have adult supervision. Constructive structured after school activities would be as useful to prevent gambling as to prevent substance use since such popular gambling activities as card or dice games could also be avoided.

Special school/community sponsored events held at times when youth are considered vulnerable to using substances, such as after a prom. Unfortunately adults have tended to see simulated gambling activities (e.g. Las Vegas nights) as alternatives to drinking and driving, unaware they are encouraging gambling behavior.

Offering business education in schools (K-12) to children and youth plus related community-based after-school and summer programs which can also be useful to communities as substitute activities for gambling.

Alternative activities should be planned with the input and active participation of the population they are designed to serve.

New England Problem Gambling Helplines:
- CT 800-346-6238
- MA 800-426-1234
- RI 877-9-GAMBLE
- VT 888-822-8274

Reader's Forum

There are several questions that arise when planning alternatives to gambling activities for youth which would be helpful to discuss in an open forum. A few of these include:

Is an after-prom/graduation casino night for teens where everyone begins with the same amount of play money and there are no monetary winners or losers an example of an appropriate alternative activity?

Is there any appropriate gambling activity for teens? Should preventionists be looking towards appropriate use or a zero tolerance approach when planning activities?

What about fund-raising activities that involve raffles or games of chance? Is youth involvement in these activities ever appropriate?

The staff of the Prevention of Problem Gambling Newsletter is very interested in your opinions on the questions posed. Please share your thoughts and comments with us by e-mail dawnccpg@hotmail.com or fax to 203-453-9142 and we will expedite a forum in a future issue. Correction Correction: The December 1999 Newsletter posted an incorrect phone number for Natasha M. Gill of Northern Michigan University. Please contact Ms. Gill at the Pride Youth Program: 231-652-4400. Our apologies.

Save the Dates:

5th New England Conference on Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling - Is it Still Invisible?
April 27, 2000

International Conference on Gambling & Risk-Taking
June 5-9, 2000

14th Annual National Conference on Problem Gambling
October 6!V8, 2000 Contact: NCPG