The newly formed Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition in Massachusetts plans to raise awareness of the dangers of gambling. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
A new coalition in Massachusetts aims to educate young people about the dangers of gambling. The Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition consists of the Attorney General’s Office, the Massachusetts Gaming and Health Board, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the Civic Action Project, the NCAA, and the state’s five professional sports teams.
Make people more aware of the laws and risks associated with gambling
The aim of the newly formed initiative is to make people more aware of the laws and risks associated with gambling. It plans to develop a curriculum for middle school, high school and college students, working alongside operators and sports media to do so.
Some research conducted by the Massachusetts Gaming and Health Council shows that teens who participate in gambling have a greater chance of becoming dependent on drugs and alcohol, as well as being more likely to suffer from depression.
Showcasing the prevalence of gambling among young people, an NCAA study found that 58% of 18-22 year olds have placed a sports bet of some type.
Speaking about the new coalition, Attorney-General Andrea Campbell said easy access to sports betting meant it was important to “raise awareness of the public health risks associated with this activity”.
