Unlock the reality of youth gambling.
The warning signs are right in front of you.
Children who gamble before the age of 12 are at 4 times greater risk to develop a gambling problem later in life. Change the Game was created to raise awareness of the sheer amount of gambling behaviors that our youth are being exposed to every single day. Exposure to gambling can happen innocently enough, from things like family poker nights or buying lottery tickets as gifts. Some kids start to participate in Fantasy Sports betting after seeing their parents or elders participate in work or neighborhood leagues.
Our Mission Take the QuizFriendly dares with peers or bets surrounding school sports and events can further introduce young people to gambling behaviors. Because their adolescent brains aren’t fully developed, young people are more likely to act impulsively and take risks. They are more willing to take on challenges for the thrill, credibility, social status, or to feel like they belong.
Know the Issue Take the QuizHave you heard of Loot Boxes? Your kids have. And it’s just one more way that today’s digital games simulate gambling. With Loot Boxes, Skins, and Spin-to-Win, the games that Ohio’s youth play for hours on end simulate the same excitement experienced by gamblers. The shift from gaming habit to gambling problem is subtle. But the risks aren’t.
Get the Facts Take the QuizBetween 60%-80% of high school students report having gambled for money during the past year.
Approximately 5% of youth ages 12-17 meet one or more criteria of having a gambling problem.
66% of parents rarely or never have conversations with their children about gambling.
Talk about the risks.
Learn how to start the conversation with your kids.
Missed classes? Dropping grades?
Know the signs of problem gambling in students.
Loot boxes. Instant upgrades.
Do the games you play put you at risk?