Know More Gambling Outreach and Prevention for Youth

1. “Know More Gambling”Outreach and Prevention for Youth Andrew Kicks, RSSW, CPGC Lori Griffith, CACll, CPGC AndrewAndrew

2. Purpose To raise awareness that gambling can be a serious addiction for youth not just adults. To raise awareness about the link between gambling and mental health To reach a large audience at one time To share resources AndrewAndrew

3. Youth Statistics 25% of youth feel that betting is cool and approximately 33% feel that it is fun. 78% of Youth have received messages, from television or the Internet, that promote gambling. Internet Gambling: 18 to 24 year-olds increased from 1.4% in 2001 to 5.5% in 2005 AndrewAndrew

4. Youth Statistics 6.9% of 18 to 24 year-olds had moderate to severe gambling problems. Just over 4% of 11-16 year olds report problems related to their gambling, consisting of arguments, physical fights and loss of money. Interestingly, 16% indicated that their friends have experienced problems from gambling. AndrewAndrew

5. Youth Trends at ADSTV Texas Hold’em Poker Internet Gambling (both slots and card games) Scratch Tickets Sports Betting (proline, pools, and bookies) Series of Bailouts Large credit debt (including OSAP) Increase in parental concern Concurrent Disorders Andrew- read the slide Give an example of Concurrent Disorders – alberta Lori- example: Girl slot playerAndrew- read the slide Give an example of Concurrent Disorders – alberta Lori- example: Girl slot player

6. What We Know About Youth Youth access information through the internet and peers over their parents and helping professionals. Video gaming is popular among Youth and Young Adults. LoriLori

7. What We Know About Youth and Gambling Youth have gambling problems and don’t often present for treatment Youth don’t see many of their gambling activities as gambling Youth and parents see gambling as Low Risk Youth are participating more in gambling than alcohol or drugs. Andrew-Although kids do recognize that they are happy or upset before or after gambling, but don’t recognize that the dopamine reaction is the reason the behaviour is desirable. (chemical reaction or craving for the dopamine effect)Andrew-Although kids do recognize that they are happy or upset before or after gambling, but don’t recognize that the dopamine reaction is the reason the behaviour is desirable. (chemical reaction or craving for the dopamine effect)

8. What We Know About Youth and Gambling Youth participate in many different forms of gambling at one time Youth gamble on both “pay sites” and “play sites” Youth are unaware of the physiological effects of gambling LoriLori

9. Risk Factors Accessibility Age of Onset Family History Big Wins Early On Need for escape from stress, isolation, boredom Emotional and Physical Health Issues Self-worth associated with gambling Lori-Accessibility—close by, always open, safe, our caseload experiences—non gamblers previously Family—intergenerational—lore. Myths, mentored in, bonding Big Wins—most PG—repeat the high—nothing like it—they connect the past to the future as we do in life—in gambling there is no connection due to randomness and chance Escape—unbalanced lifestyle—caregivers, lack of leisure, high achievers, workaholics, miserable at home—open any time—no need to plan ahead Actual Mood Relief—mood elevation or evening out—depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar, adhd. Actual relief from physical pain. Abuse/trauma factors.Chemical release in brain Feel Important—how casinos cater to this—winner’s circle. Freebies, know your name, lunchesLori-Accessibility—close by, always open, safe, our caseload experiences—non gamblers previously Family—intergenerational—lore. Myths, mentored in, bonding Big Wins—most PG—repeat the high—nothing like it—they connect the past to the future as we do in life—in gambling there is no connection due to randomness and chance Escape—unbalanced lifestyle—caregivers, lack of leisure, high achievers, workaholics, miserable at home—open any time—no need to plan ahead Actual Mood Relief—mood elevation or evening out—depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar, adhd. Actual relief from physical pain. Abuse/trauma factors.Chemical release in brain Feel Important—how casinos cater to this—winner’s circle. Freebies, know your name, lunches

10. Youth and Mental Health Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds in Canada + People with Gambling Addictions are twice as likely to attempt suicide than people suffering from any other addiction. = Great Concern Andrew Talk about the amount of suicideAndrew Talk about the amount of suicide

11. Youth, Mental Healthand Gambling Depression Anxiety Substance Abuse Intergenerational Addictions Past Trauma Grief Issues ADHD Anger Issues AndrewAndrew

12. What We Did? Community Partnerships www.mindyourmind.ca Create awareness around the connection between gambling and mental health. Round table and brainstormed best way to reach a large number of youth Andrew describe mindyourmind.ca and the partnership we formedAndrew describe mindyourmind.ca and the partnership we formed

13. Mindyourmind.ca MISSION To inspire youth to reach out and get help for themselves or give help to their friends who are facing mental health challenges. To reduce barriers to seeking help including reducing the stigma often associated with mental health problems. AndrewAndrew

14. Mindyourmind.ca VISION We are dedicated to providing the necessary info, resources and skills to inspire youth to reach out, to get help for themselves or to give help to their friends who may be coping with stress, mental health issues, self-harming behaviours or suicide. We are committed to reducing the stigma often associated with reaching out for help. We also provide youth relevant tools for professionals working with youth at risk. AndrewAndrew

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17. How We Did it? Concept Trivia Why did we choose a video game? (which can be addictive) Content Questions Billboards Why did we pick racing cars? Lori Not dissociatingLori Not dissociating

18. The Game: Where we use it? Racing Against Drugs Run by the RCMP and local school boards, with community partnerships providing the pit-stops. Grade 5 students Run in each county in Ontario LoriLori

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22. Let’s play the Game! LoriLori

23. The Manual Sections: General Problem Gambling Educational Activities Resources: Problem Gambling and Mental Health “Know” More Gambling Video Game (operational) “Know” More Gambling Video Game (concept and content) ADSTV Resources Appendix/Screening Tools Ordering Information Andrew: (lori present manual) On this slide we need to talk about the General section Resource section Video game sections Appendix screening tools Andrew: (lori present manual) On this slide we need to talk about the General section Resource section Video game sections Appendix screening tools

24. Educational Activities Math Puzzle Word Scramble Word Searches Crossword Puzzles Scratch Card Myth vs. Fact Quiz Skill vs. Luck Game Role Play Media Messaging Exercise Youth Commercial Andrew-Andrew-

25. Youth Commercial Designed by local high school students this commercial was initially used as a Public Service Announcement over PA systems to raise awareness of problem gambling. Now used to dispel false beliefs about gambling, who is affected by gambling, where it takes place, and what activities are considered gambling. Let’s Watch!! Lori explain what its initial purpose And then Andrew does exerciseLori explain what its initial purpose And then Andrew does exercise

26. Educational Scratch Card Simulates the psychological effects of instant win gambling. Allows participants to experience the dopamine increase in a safe environment where feelings, thoughts and impulses can be debriefed. Let’s experience it!! LoriLori

27. ADSTV Resources When you purchase the manual you have reprinting rights to our materials. Texas Hold’em Poker Poster and Pamphlet Pamphlets: Youth Gambling Information for Parents and Caregivers, Information for Young Adults about Gambling, Information for Kids and Teens about Gambling Youth Newsletter Scratch Card Display Board AndrewAndrew

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29. Evaluation of Game Evaluations were conducted at two separate Racing Against Drugs Events (Feb and April 2007). The results were provided by 190 teachers representing over 2,800 students. LoriLori

30. Evaluation of Game-Teacher Comments Computer games are always a good way to learn Fun activity Fun and informative Fun game to reinforce learning Game portion- fun tests knowledge, kept children’s interest Good Game LoriLori

31. Teacher’s Comments Continued Good message Great game The kids like the game Students enjoyed hands on video game Very good, well thought out Good gambling questionnaire buzz game, well explained answers Awesome definition of gambling-hands on- it’s great. lorilori

32. Evaluation of Online Version Racing game ranked #3 In its 10 weeks - played over 3000 times. We get on average 35,000 visits with over 80,000 pages viewed per month. Online (just over 2 years) and marketing has been largely word of mouth. 50% of Canadian visits are from Ontario. LoriLori

33. What’s the Value? 3 years worth of development Focus groups Presentations: (reaching over 25,000 students) Community partnerships Development of resources Design costs Staff time AndrewAndrew

34. Ordering Information Contact us: Via phone: (519) 673-3242 ext 234 Via email: borvidas@adstv.on.ca Or pick up a flyer now!!!! LoriLori