GOALS To gain awareness of youth gambling To understand the YMCA YGAP’s methods and approaches To learn how we talk to youth about gambling To learn indicators of youth problem gambling To learn harm reduction strategies for keeping youth safe

Youth Gambling in Ontario 40% of grade 7 to 12 students reported having gambled during the last 12 months 4-6% of adolescents presently exhibit a serious gambling problem Adolescent prevalence rates of pathological gamblers are 2-4 times that of adults Today, children and adolescents are educated about the dangers of smoking, alcohol and drug consumption. Few are informed about the potentially addictive qualities inherent in gambling activities

Gambling Expansion The future of the OLG will: be driven by market‐demand involve a significant expansion of the role of the private sector see the OLG eliminate its’ role as a direct operator and move to play an “oversight“ role of lottery and gaming operations in Ontario – opening 29 potential “gaming zones” – launching internet gambling – offering electronic games at all bingo halls – legalizing single-sports betting

Youth Gambling Activities

Why Youth Gamble Entertainment Excitement Escape Economics Ego

YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care Started in 2000 as a 4 year YMCA pilot project in response to the Ontario government’s request for gambling prevention and education strategies. Originally served 7 sites in Ontario Today, the program operates in 19 different communities across Ontario.

YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program

Why Youth?

YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program in Schools Deliver interactive workshops for youth 8-24 years old Provide interactive workshops for adults involved in young people’s lives Offer curriculum activities based on Ministry of Education requirements Attend community fairs and events Youth + Gambling

Gambling : Risking something of value when an element of chance is associated with the outcome.

Gambling 101 Definition of Gambling Gambling Activities Laws and Regulations Games of Skills vs. Chance Understanding Odds, Probability and Randomness Casino Advantage Cost of Play Decision-Making Problem Gambling Harm Reduction Strategies (Safety Tips) Referrals Workshop:

Educational Activities Cost of Play Chance vs. Skill Probabilities of Winning Odds Risks Decision-Making Problem Solving

Online Gambling *Online gambling increases the risk of becoming a pathological gambler Impacts of Online Gambling Blurred Boundaries Free ‘Practice’ Sites Cost of Play Online Transactions Money Management Online Risks Internet Safety Harm Reduction Strategies Workshop:

Media Literacy  Perception  Media Impact  Image and Brands  Media Purposes and Target Audiences  Critical Thinking  Analyzing, Interpreting, and Evaluating Media Texts  Understanding the Risks  Harm Reduction Workshop:

Gambling Continuum Problem Gambler: Bets more than can afford Lies about gambling Expects to win Life increasingly revolves around gambling

Harm Reduction

Referral Information

Common Questions Youth Ask How do you become a professional poker player? How does card counting work? Do casino really pump extra oxygen into their facilities? How often will I win? What happens if I get caught cheating at a casino?

Youth Gambling Resources: International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors Gambling Boys Documentary Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario | OLG Responsible Gaming GameSense Home | BCLC

Thank You on behalf of the YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program All services are free! For our directory of site locations across Ontario: or ymcagta.org/gambling Catherine Bernatchez Youth Gambling Awareness Program YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region T: , ext