Choices Treatment Center joins campaign to raise awareness of youth gambling risks

The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.

Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.

Choices Treatment Center will participate the 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign as an organizational participant. During November and December, Choices will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by using social media, public speaking opportunities, media engagement, as well education amongst their clients.

“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “I commend each Gift Responsibly Campaign participant for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Now, more than ever, we must continue to insist that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”

Choices Treatment Center provides outpatient and intensive outpatient addiction treatment services in offices in Lincoln and Columbus. Choices’ counselors are certified through the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program, which allows Choices to provide free and confidential assessments and treatment to anyone struggling with problem gambling in Nebraska and their loved ones. Other services provided include substance use counseling, individual problem gambling education, community presentations on addiction-related topics, budgeting assistance, payee services, as well as a 24-hour confidential helpline.