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Prevention of Problem Gambling
May 1999, Vol II, Issue 5

*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."

PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH
- A PREVETION STRATEGY -

Offering alternative activities as a gambling prevention strategy is simple in concept: Identify a gambling activity that is considered high risk, that gives a mixed message, or is otherwise inappropriate and replace it with an alternative, risk-free activity. For example, replace a school raffle fund-raiser with a bake sale or car wash. Post-prom and graduation parties, activities that traditionally involve underage alcohol consumption, inspired youth advocates to create alcohol and other drug-free activities such as Project Graduation and structured post-prom parties. In an effort to make these events attractive to teens, casino nights and other gambling related activities are often the replacement activities offered by a well-meaning community. This creates the dilemma of seeming to advocate the replacement of alcohol with another risky behavior (gambling).

As we offer alternative activities to young people, we find ourselves in uncharted territory. On college campuses, organizations have moved from serving alcoholic cocktails to non-alcoholic "mocktails". Some high school casino nights use coupons instead of real (or play) money. Is the risk really eliminated if we are still promoting the basic behavior? This is where parents, prevention professionals, and young people need to work together to establish guidelines and explore alternatives to high-risk behaviors. The Prevention of Problem Gambling Newsletter invites readers to contact us with alternative strategies so that we may share your experiences with other. Contact Dawn Hemstock at the CCPG at 203-453-0138 or email ccpg@snet.net

Fourth Annual New England Conference on Problem Gambling a Success!

The Fourth New England Conference on Problem Gambling was held April 29 and focused on youth and families. It was reported by the more than 150 participants to be a valuable and enjoyable experience. The conference highlighted several internationally known speakers. Rina Gupta, Ph.D., of McGill University of Montreal, Canada shared results of research conducted with Jeffrey Derevensky, Ph.D., on adolescent gambling in Canada. Dr. Gupta presented the following information:

Across all grade levels, gambling participation exceeded alcohol and drug consumption and cigarette use

Nearly 70% of 4th graders and 85% of 6th and 8th graders reported having gambled for money

81% of students reported gambling with family members.

44% of 4th graders reported fearing being caught while gambling. That percentage significantly drops in later grades: 26% of 6th graders, 17% of 7th graders, 10% of 8th graders.

Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of beginning prevention efforts at a very young age.

CT Partnership for Responsible Gambling

Have you seen or heard the new television and radio public service announcements that address problem gambling? If you have, you may have noticed that they are presented by the CT Partnership for Responsible Gambling. We are happy to announce this innovative collaboration of the CT Lottery Corporation, the CT Council on Problem Gambling, and the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Its purpose is to serve as a resource for information and education on problem and underage gambling for all Connecticut residents by offering information on guidelines for responsible gambling, warning signs of problem gambling, and available treatment services.

Massachusetts - Radio PSAs

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health in collaboration with the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling has produced two radio public service announcements that target the general public and seniors. Produced by Cause Media and designed to encourage listeners concerned about problem gambling to call the Massachusetts Helpline, the ads will air from May to July.

Local Problem Gambling Helplines
CT 800-346-6238
RI 877-9-gamble
MA 800-426-1234
VT 888-822-8274
Services will begin a treatment group in May for high school and college age gamblers.

INTERVENING WITH YOUNG GAMBLERS
In an effort to reach young gamblers, the CT Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services will begin a treatment group in May for high school and college age gamblers.