Youth Gambling Program

Program Overview

Why The YMCA

We believe that prevention programs are essential to improving individual health and personal development and creating a healthier community.

The Goal

To implement a prevention and education program designed to reduce the harm associated with youth gambling.

The Approach

We do not make value judgements regarding gambling; rather, we see it as an activity that people may or may not engage in. Through harm reduction, we will support young people to make healthy decisions about gambling.

Who We Serve

The program will address the needs of youth ages 8 to 24 and people who influence and work with youth living in the province of Ontario.

We Offer

• Community awareness sessions
• Presentations to schools and organizations that work with youth
• Educational workshops for:
  • parents
  • teachers
  • health professionals and other agencies/organizations working with youth
• Referral to gambling treatment services

How The Youth Gambling Program Can Benefit Your Organization

• The YMCA is committed to helping youth gain the skills and confidence they need to become healthy, happy and productive adults;
• The YMCA Youth Gambling Program supports youth to weigh the costs and benefits of gambling by creating and facilitating a discussion of where gambling fits into young people's lives
• The YMCA Youth Gambling Program supports youth with the skills necessary to continue to be responsible members of their community
• The YMCA leads communities across the province in building strong kids, strong families, strong communities

Our presentations focus on decision making, coping strategies and asset development; they support components of the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum.

Signs of Problem Gambling

• Loss of interest in other activities
• Being Argumentative
• Feeling Irritable and restless
• Feeling anxious, depressed and/or suicidal
• Increased spending/chasing losses
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Lying, stealing
• Promising to stop but continuing to gamble
• Money appearing and disappearing

For Your Information

• Studies of gambling show that adolescents report significantly higher rates of problem gambling than adults;
• Problem gamblers are significantly more likely to start gambling earlier in life than non-problem gamblers;
• Previous findings have shown that gambling patters begin as early as 8 years of age and can be established before an adolescent reaches high school;
• Research show that youth are less likely to get involved in addiction, polyaddictions or criminalized behaviours if their coping strategies are enhanced. Our presentation focuses on developing assets.

For More Information:

Email or Call: 905 684 3500
Visit: www.ymcatoronto.org/gambling
Niagara Alcohol & Drug Assessment Services 905 684 1859
YMCA Youth Gambling Programs across Ontario 1 877 525 5515
Ontario Problem Gambling Help Line 1 888 230 3505

All Services are FREE

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care - Mental Health & Addictions Branch

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