The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced a partnership with Change The Game Ohio – a consortium comprised of the Ohio Lottery Commission, Ohio Casino Control Commission, and Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services. This partnership will bring Change the Game Ohio to OHSAA events to provide education and resources to students, parents and educators to prevent youth gambling and reduce gambling disorders later in life.
Change The Game Ohio is an initiative of Ohio for Responsible Gambling, which is dedicated to preventing or reducing problem gambling and building resources for treating gambling disorders. The partnership will highlight the warning signs on youth gambling and allow access to resources for parents, educators and professionals to stay in the know on youth gambling and gaming.
“Today’s youth are likely exposed through everyday activities like video games, fantasy sports and card games,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “There are real consequences for youth who engage in betting. They are more likely to neglect their studies, increase their risk for substance abuse and delinquency, and end up with emotional stress and depression. This partnership initiative will allow informed decisions with youth and how to address these risks.”
Change The Game Ohio will have a presence at OHSAA state championship events and conduct school surveys to gather information and data to help prevent youth gambling and associated risks.
“As part of Ohio for Responsible Gambling, we recognize the critical importance of addressing gambling behaviors early in life,” said Michelle Gillcrist, Ohio Lottery Director. “Our partnership with the OHSAA through the Change the Game Ohio initiative aims to equip parents, educators and students with the tools they need to identify and prevent problem gambling before it takes root. Together, we can foster a safer environment for Ohio’s youth.”
More information is available at www.ChangeTheGameOhio.org.
Ohio for Responsible Gambling also created Ohio’s adult responsible gambling awareness campaign, Pause Before You Play, at www.PauseBeforeYouPlay.org.
Information received from the OHSAA.
