The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has introduced “What’s Really at Stake,” an initiative designed to heighten awareness regarding the issue of underage gambling.
The campaign will utilize a variety of channels, including social media, digital advertisements, a specialized website (WhatsReallyatStake.com), and the distribution of promotional resources. The timing of this launch aligns with both the national Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March and the commencement of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, a period marked by high wagering activity.
According to the report, research highlights the following:
- 75% of college students in the U.S. have participated in legal or illegal gambling over the past year, with 18% gambling on a weekly basis or more; meanwhile, only 22% of American colleges and universities have established formal gambling policies. (CollegeGambling.org)
- 58% of individuals aged 18-22, including college students, have participated in sports betting, with 6% reporting single-day losses exceeding $500. Knowledge of campus-based gambling support is limited, as only 14% of men and 16% of women are aware of where to find assistance. (NCAA)
- 6% of college students meet the criteria for a severe gambling disorder, a figure roughly double the 3% average for the general U.S. adult population. (AddictionCenter.com)
- 33.7% of youth under the age of 18 have gambled within a one-year period. (Mass.gov)
- Over one-third of boys between the ages of 11 and 17 have engaged in gambling activities during the past year. (Common Sense Media)
Kevin O’Toole, Executive Director of the PGCB, stated that the agency’s primary objective is public protection. While this involves ensuring that regulated gaming remains fair for those of legal age, the mission also encompasses initiatives like “What’s Really at Stake,” which aims to educate young people—as well as their families and educators—about the potential negative impacts of gambling.
“The legal gambling regulated by the PGCB, particularly online, is strictly for individuals 21 and older,” O’Toole explained. “While licensed Pennsylvania operators employ various systems to prevent underage access, the rise of easily accessible, illegal, and unregulated websites—which lack these protective measures—is a major factor contributing to this concerning trend.”
Josh Ercole, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA, noted that the widespread availability of online gambling through unregulated, offshore platforms has led to an increase in young people seeking help via the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
“We have seen a rise in helpline calls concerning young people in Pennsylvania in recent years,” Ercole said. “Given the high level of access, particularly to unregulated gambling, it is vital to have transparent conversations about the risks and potential harm. It is also crucial to recognize that while underage participation in these games may appear harmless, early exposure can pave the way for future issues.”
In addition to the What’s Really at Stake portal, further information and support for gambling-related issues can be found on the PGCB’s dedicated site, ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov.
The introduction of the “What’s Really at Stake” campaign coincides with the recent announcement of new resources aimed at helping parents and educators shield children from the dangers of sports, online, and other forms of gambling. These materials, created and organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, are accessible via the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Standards Aligned System website.