WASHINGTON — As middle and high school students head back to the classroom, more than 1,875 teachers throughout the U.S. will receive the “Know the Odds” educational program, created through a partnership between the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) and Young Minds Inspired (YMI). In its second year, this educational program will be used to encourage teachers and parents to help students understand the warning signs of problem gambling and the facts about underage gambling. It also offers helpful guidelines for those who suspect their children might have a problem with gambling or other risky behaviors. The program was developed based on the NCRG’s brochure “Talking with Children about Gambling.”
“We are pleased to partner again with Young Minds Inspired to get this information in the hands of as many students, teachers and parents as possible,” said Alan Feldman, chairman of the NCRG and senior vice president of public affairs for MGM Resorts International. “Educating young people early about gambling problems – and ensuring their parents are informed – is key to helping prevent the issue before it starts.”
“Know the Odds” arrived in schools on September 11 in the following communities: Philadelphia, Penn.; San Diego, Calif.; Chicago, Ill.; St. Louis, Mo.; Kansas City, Mo.; Las Vegas, N.V.; Miami, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Atlantic City, N.J.; and Biloxi, Miss. Training materials in the teacher’s kit include a program guide, classroom posters and handouts for students and parents that meet both national education standards and practical classroom needs. The NCRG’s brochure “Talking with Children about Gambling” will also be distributed to help parents understand how to address underage gambling with their children. All materials are free of charge for the schools.
“Talking with Children about Gambling” was developed in consultation with the Division on Addictions at Cambridge Health Alliance, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. The publication provides a clear explanation of the warning signs for youth gambling and relevant approaches that parents can take to help their children and address the issue.
A downloadable copy of “Talking with Children about Gambling” is available in the Public Education and Outreach section on the NCRG website, www.ncrg.org. To request copies of the brochure, please contact Amy Kugler at 202-552-2689 or akugler@ncrg.org.
