Unlock the reality of youth gambling.

The warning signs are right in front of you.

Know the Issue Watch New TV Spot
15% of Ohio’s youth ages 12-17 report lying about or hiding how much they gamble.

Youth may be gambling in more ways than you know.

Daily activities at home, in school and online might be exposing young people to gambling behaviors.

For Parents Watch New TV Spot
Children who gamble before age 12 are at 4x greater risk.

It can start before kids are teens.

The earlier a person is introduced to gambling, the more likely they are to develop problems as adults.

For Educators Watch New TV Spot
Many gaming apps are marketed to 2-17 year-olds.

Test your knowledge.

We all have a role to play in preventing problem gambling among young people. Do you know the facts?

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BE THE CHANGE FOR YOUTH

Help stop problem gambling before it starts.

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 Quiz
1.7% of youth ages 12-17 have kept gambling a secret from family or friends.

Our Mission

Get the Facts

Learning it in School

Youth engage in bets and dares with their peers.

Friendly 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 Quiz
14.7% of youth ages 12-17 have gambled money or personal items.

KNOW THE SIGNS

How are youth gambling?

  • Card Games
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Truth or Dare
  • Internet Challenges
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Trading Card Games
  • Role Play Strategy Games
  • Bets on School Sports
  • Family Fun Center Arcades
  • Video Games & Apps
Learn More Take the Quiz
Between 60%-80% of high school students report having gambled for money during the past year.

Experiencing it Online

Video games and apps designed for youth mimic gambling.

Have 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 Quiz
96% of adolescents are exposed to gambling ads.

Today's Gaming in Ohio

When problem gambling begins.

Between 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.

Learn More

It's time to Change the Game Ohio.

Get the Facts

Get educated

The warning signs are right in front of you.

Talk about the risks.

Learn how to start the conversation with your kids.

for Parents

Missed classes? Dropping grades?

Know the signs of problem gambling in students.

for Educators

Loot boxes. Instant upgrades.

Do the games you play put you at risk?

for Youth