If your kids gamble, they are...

3 Times more likely to drink alcohol, 4 Times more likely to smoke, Twice as likely to use other illegal drugs, 3 times more likely to use marijuana, 3 times more likely to get in trouble with police, 3 times more likely to be in a gang fight, 3 times more likely to steal or shoplift

(Adapted from Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, 2004. Behaviors exhibited by 5th and 8th graders
compared to their peers that don't gamble.)

Youth Gambling is Not a Game

In the United States and Canada as many as 15.3 million 12–17 year olds have been gambling with or without adult awareness or approval, and 2.2 million of these are experiencing serious gambling-related problems. Yet, there continues to be little public awareness or concern about the extent, or the potential hazards associated with juvenile gambling.1 

If you suspect that you or someone you know is a problem gambler, help is available. Use the information on this web site to educate yourself about problem gambling. You’ll find tools to help you recognize problem gambling, understand its consequences and resources with additional information and treatment options.

For immediate help call the confidential Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline at: 1-800-547-6133

Click here to watch the current TV Spot

1. (Juvenile Gambling in North America: An Analysis of Long Term Trends and Future Prospects, D.F. Jacobs, 2000)



Washington State Department
of Social & Health Services
Problem Gambling Program

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