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Parents and educators in Pennsylvania have access to new resources designed to help them understand youth gambling, identify early warning signs, and find support for vulnerable individuals.
The initiative was announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The launch is timed to coincide with Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March.
DDAP Secretary Latika Davis-Jones described the responsible gambling resources as a vital proactive measure. “Knowledge is power,” Davis-Jones said.
“DDAP and our partners at PDE encourage teachers, students, families, and all Pennsylvanians to learn about the signs of problem gambling and use that knowledge to stop issues before they start. We know that with the right treatment and supports, recovery from substance use disorder is probable; the same holds true for problem gambling.”
Spotting the early warning signs of youth gambling
The primary resource, the Promoting Awareness Around Online Gambling and Its Impact Toolkit, helps adults understand how gambling exposure affects children and teenagers.
The toolkit highlights common terminology used by young people, explains why educators should avoid gambling-related activities in classrooms, and provides instructions for setting parental controls on digital devices.
According to the toolkit, early warning signs of youth gambling include:
- Excessive time spent on mobile devices or gaming platforms.
- Declining grades or failure to complete homework.
- An unusual fixation on sports scores and statistics.
- Loss of interest in extracurricular activities.
Educators noted that young people frequently encounter gambling-like mechanics in everyday digital life, particularly within video games, social media, and sports content.
“Ensuring the wellness of our students starts with equipping them with the tools they need to recognize when something is dangerous or unhealthy,” said PDE Secretary Carrie Rowe. “Together, the Online Gambling and Information Literacy toolkits provide critical resources that can help educators, learners, and their families thoughtfully navigate today’s online world.”
Growing exposure to problem gambling in Pennsylvania
Data from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP) indicates that more than 20% of students in the state have gambled at some point.
Furthermore, a recent study by Penn State University, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and the DDAP found that between 17% and 30% of Pennsylvania adults engaged in some form of gambling last year. Officials say these figures underscore the urgent need for prevention and education.
CCGP Executive Director Josh Ercole called the trend concerning. “With increased accessibility to gambling and activities that include gambling elements, reported problems among young individuals in Pennsylvania are growing,” Ercole said.
“It is critical that parents, educators, and young people understand that early exposure and participation can lead to future issues.”
Residents struggling with problem gambling can seek help via the state’s 24/7 helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, which also offers online chat assistance.
