Webinar Highlights Risks of Youth Gambling as Part of Gift Responsibly Campaign

Giving children lottery tickets, scratchers and other forms of gambling can be risky. Children who are exposed to gambling before age 12 are four times more likely to develop gambling problems.  

The Prince William Community Services department will host a free webinar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, as a part of its Gift Responsibly Campaign, which aims to raise community awareness of the dangers of childhood gambling. The webinar is open to youth, parents, caregivers, youth-serving professionals and anyone interested in learning more about how gambling impacts young people. 

“Youth exposure to gambling often goes unnoticed, but the risks associated with youth gambling should not be ignored. In this webinar, we will help to identify what to watch out for so that gaming stays a source of entertainment and not a risk to the wellbeing of our youth,” said Wendy Hunt, Wellness and Prevention Supervisor with Community Services. 

While gambling or gaming activities may appear harmless, early exposure can lead to serious consequences. Warning signs can include behaviors that show gambling or gaming is interfering with school, relationships or daily life, such as poor academic achievement, school truancy, financial problems, depressive symptoms, suicide, low self-esteem, deterioration of social relationships, substance abuse and criminal behavior.  

Many children often receive gambling products from well-meaning adults who are unaware of the risks associated by lottery tickets and scratchers. Adults may also be unaware that giving lottery tickets to children under 18 is illegal in Virginia.  

The webinar will offer guidance on identifying warning signs, understanding risks and supporting youth who may be affected by gambling behaviors. 

Registration is required at https://www.pwcva.gov/events/preventing-youth-problem-gaming-and-gambling/. For more information, contact Wendy Hunt at [email protected] or (703) 792-3837.