Looking to volunteer? Check out YOU(th) Decide

AN IMPORTANT CHAT

Did you know that in New York State 39.5% of youth between the ages of 12 and 17 have gambled in the past year? Nearly 30% of those youth stated that they began at age 10 or younger. NYS youth reported that the top 3 past-year gambling behaviors were playing lottery, lotto, and scratch offs; betting money on raffles or charity games; and betting money on sports. Underage gambling brings with it several negative consequences, including, but not limited to: • Increased likelihood of developing a gambling addiction • Increased risk of delinquency and crime • Damaged relationships and poor academic performance • Mental health issues including depression and substance abuse disorders • Overall poor general health • Attempted and completed suicide There is not just one person, nor one group of people, who are affected by underage gambling. There is not just one factor in someone’s life that alone leads to underage gambling. There is also, not just one strategy that will alone prevent underage gambling. If you, your group/organization, or child, would like to get more involved in YOU(th) Decide in your community, please contact: Amber Danaher ccfw-youth@preventioncouncil.org

Find out more at www.YOUthDecideNY.org.