Underage Gambling

1. Rhonda Stone Community Education Coordinator Underage Gambling

2. New Penalties for Underage Gambling • $125 Fine • Court costs potentially doubling the fine • Up to 4 hours of community service Source: Washington State Gambling Commission Visit www.notazander.comfor more information

3. Consequences of Problem Gambling: • Loss of relationships • Pursuit of gambling at any cost (“chasing losses”) • Stress and depression • Stress-related death and suicide • Life-altering addiction • Loss of interest in jobs or school • Debt • Money by any means: borrowing, stealing, fraud • Unreliability and lying • Loss of job Visit www.evergreencpg.org for more information

4. EFFECTS ON TEENS Psychological Physical • Instant Gratification is the preferred reward strategy • Boredom v. Excitement • Action or Escape • Guilt and Stress • Attention Control • Impulse Control • Neurotransmitter “Rush” • Lack of Control For Presentations: Rhonda Stone 360.352.6133

5. 2009 Healthy Youth Survey: • 1/3rd of students acknowledged they had gambled • 3% of HS seniors acknowledged “PG” symptoms Source: Washington State 2009 Healthy Youth Survey

6. Getting Help in Washington Problem Gambling Help Line: 800.547.6133 • Provides information and referral to treatment for people with gambling problems and their families • Confidential, professional service • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Free of charge

7. GA and Gam-Anon Contact theHELPLINEor go to www.evergreencpg.org Gamblers Anonymous (GA) • 12-Step Recovery • Support and hope from others • Strategies for handling finances Gam-Anon • Supportive environment for spouses, relatives, close friends of problem gamblers to share experiences

8. For More Information Thank you! Rhonda Stone: 360.352.6133 rstone@evergreencpg.org