2011 Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Awards - Lane County

Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Art Search 2011 - Top Posters

View more presentations from Lane County Prevention Program

Oregon students honored for artwork focused on problem gambling

Statesman-Journal

July 1, 2009

Area students won awards and honorable mentions in the 2009 Marion County Problem

Gambling Art Awards competition.

The sixth annual art search is conducted in partnership with local problem gambling prevention and outreach coordinators. The top artistic designs are chosen for next year's Oregon Department of Human Services calendar, which is designed to increase awareness of problem gambling. Each county can have two winners on the calendar, which is distributed statewide.

About 277 entries were submitted this year from middle school students throughout Marion County. Student art from Jefferson Middle School, Cascade Junior High School and Mount Angel Middle School ranked in the top 10.

[Click here to read the full article.]

Later gambling behaviors attributable to traits in childhood?

CNN story-- "Is your child a gambler?"

It may be possible to tell if a kindergartner will become an adult gambler. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports.

The story refers to research published in this month's Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine.

Science Daily summarized the study on its website:

ScienceDaily (Mar. 3, 2009) — Children whose teachers rated them as more impulsive in kindergarten appear more likely to begin gambling behaviors by the sixth grade, according to a report in the March issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals....

"Our results suggest that behavioral features such as inattentiveness, distractibility and hyperactivity at school entry represent a vulnerability factor for precocious risk-oriented behavior like gambling in sixth grade," the authors write. "It is very plausible that these childhood characteristics snowball into cumulative risks for youngsters who do not eventually outgrow the distractibility and inattentiveness from early childhood and become involved in gambling as a typical pastime for many youth. Most importantly, our observations suggest a developmentally continuous effect of impulsivity that places individuals on a life course trajectory toward gambling involvement in adolescence and emerging adulthood."

___What are your thoughts on this story? Please post comments below!

New Site Includes "Videos to Beat the Odds"

The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Problem Gambling Program has a new site, BeatTheBet.com. The program also created the Videos to Beat the Odds competition to address the issue of teen problem gambling.

Some of Oregon Problem Gambling Services' regional prevention coordinators have been discussing the potential to offer a "video search" component in 2009 for the annual Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week. For six years, the state has been coordinating problem gambling awareness "art searches" (a.k.a. poster contests), in middle schools throughout Oregon. This next year may be an opportunity to expand the searches to high schools with a multimedia approach.

Take a look at the Minnesota high school student videos featured online at http://www.beatthebet.com/hs_FilmContestResults.asp.

What are your thoughts, or previous experiences, with this sort of awareness effort? Share your comments below.

Overall youth gambling down, but Internet's lure draws concern, DHS reports

Oregon DHS News Release, 5/29/08

General contact: Ken Palke, 503.947.5286
Program contact: Wendy Hausotter, 503.945.9703

Overall youth gambling down, but Internet's lure draws concern, DHS reports

One of every 20 Oregon adolescents may be a problem or at-risk gambler and many youngsters are being drawn to free gambling-type games on the Internet, according to a recent study sponsored by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

The study findings, which are in a report titled "Oregon Youth and Their Parents: Gambling and Problem Gambling Prevalence and Attitudes," will be used to refine and develop Oregon's model problem gambling prevention programs.

Oregon's techno-savvy youth indicate that they're gambling for free on the Internet. Many are playing less poker, which used to be the number one gambling activity among youngsters.

"The emergence of free gambling on the Internet is no surprise, but is of real concern," said Paul D. Potter, DHS problem gambling services manager. "Ads for online games pop up, and kids think that if money's not involved there's no risk.

"Kids don't realize they're being primed to play for money later, which is illegal. They can also become a victim of identity theft," he said. "Parents need to be vigilant about their kids' Internet use."

Despite the increase in Internet play, gambling among Oregon 12- to 17-year-olds has declined significantly in the past decade, primarily due to a change in attitudes about young people and gambling.

"When parents learn more about the potential risks of youth gambling, they do a better job of helping their kids make different choices about using their leisure time," said Potter. "Our statewide and local prevention and awareness efforts are paying off, especially when you realize that during the same decade opportunities to gamble have increased."

Potter said Oregon's awareness-raising job isn't finished, because the survey shows that despite evidence to the contrary, most parents and kids still don't see gambling as a behavior that can lead to serious problems, even addiction.

In the past 10 years the number of youths playing the Lottery has declined 80 percent. Potter praised the vigilance of casinos and the Oregon Lottery in helping to reduce underage gambling.

"Selling to anyone under the age of 18 is a violation of a retailer's contract with the Lottery and could put the business's ability to sell our games in jeopardy," said Carole Hardy, Oregon Lottery assistant director for marketing. "We are diligent about providing our retailers with training about the perils of underage play and other responsible selling programs."

According to the study, parents who gamble become role models in their households. Chances are double that their children will become at-risk gamblers and four times as likely that they will become problem gamblers.

Approximately 1.3 percent of Oregon adolescents are problem gamblers, which is narrowly defined as having an extreme pattern of behavior. Another 4.6 percent score as at-risk gamblers, which means that several risk factors are present. Young people who gamble are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, get into fights, skip school and engage in other risky behaviors, according to the study.

"When we hear parents say, ‘What's the harm in kids playing poker? At least I know where they are. They could be doing much worse things.', it tells us that they haven't seen the real data," said Potter. "If they did, they'd think twice."

Oregon parents and children in 1,550 families were interviewed by researchers from May to August 2007. The study found that 63 percent of adolescents gambled at least once, 46 percent gambled in the past year and three percent gamble weekly or more often. Boys gamble on a more regular basis than girls, and older teens are more likely to gamble regularly than younger ones.

The report recommends these improvements to awareness and prevention programs for youth gambling:

• Use alternative approaches to help Oregon youth with gambling problems, such as teaching parents, teachers, counselors and other youth workers to understand that youth gambling is a problem and recognize its symptoms.
• Integrate problem gambling information into existing school-based curricula on healthy choices and addictions.
• Target awareness efforts to athletic coaches and similar groups because of higher problem gambling rates among school sports participants.

Information on problem gambling is available on the Web at 1877mylimit.org.

To reach the free and confidential Oregon Problem Gambling Hotline, call 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit 1877mylimit.org.

Survey: Free online gambling puts teens at risk

Source: Oregon's Statesman Journal, May 27, 2008

Survey: Free online gambling puts teens at risk

Perceived as safe, it can groom youths for wager activities

By Eunice Kim, Statesman Journal

Sex. Drugs. Alcohol. They're all topics that parents, teachers and community leaders tend to talk to children about in hopes of preventing risky behavior.

But there is another issue officials think should be discussed: online gambling.

Gambling for free on the Internet has become the most popular gambling activity among youths in Oregon, according to a new survey.

That concerns officials who say it introduces teenagers to gambling and grooms them for other forms in which money is waged.

"You're learning that gambling is fun, it's stimulating, and it's risk-free," said Wendy Hausotter, problem gambling prevention coordinator with Oregon Department of Human Services. "That's not true at all."

There's an estimated 1,700 gambling sites on the Internet that offer everything from casino-type gambling to poker to bingo. Many offer the option of gambling for free or for money.

The survey, commissioned by DHS last year, found that 33 percent of youths ages 12 to 17 — an estimated 94,659 teens — gamble online for free.

It's an activity that is convenient and easily accessible, officials say, because it can be done at home at any time, often under no supervision from parents. Its novelty, high level of stimulation and low level of physical exertion also appeal to youths, many of whom are tech-savvy.

"It's the game of choice among youth, which is surprising for us," Hausotter said. "It wasn't on the radar screen."

The last survey done on youth gambling in Oregon was in 1998. It didn't ask teens and their parents about free online gambling.

At the time, waging money on card games such as poker was the most common type of gambling among Oregon youths. It's now a close second.

Gambling on the Internet for money, which is illegal, has remained fairly unpopular, with less than 1 percent of teens participating last year, officials said. Overall, gambling among youths has gone down in the past 10 years.

"We're not saying don't gamble," said Yvonne Kays, a prevention health educator with Marion County Health Department. "Our message is, you need to recognize the risk factors and when it becomes a problem … It's a problem when you're spending too much time or money (doing it)."

Gambling, officials said, is when you bet something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome. That something often is money but also can be time, emotion or attention.

The fact that free online gambling doesn't involve money can be a draw for youths, who think they're not doing anything harmful, officials said.

Also, the odds of winning tend to be higher when there's no money waged, Kays said. That can lead kids to think they're lucky or skillful, or that they can win money at other games.

"It disconnects them from the reality of the situation," Hausotter said. "We're afraid that they're going to want to do this more and more. If they do this with money, they're at risk for many things."

That includes loss of money and identity theft, officials said. Online gambling, which is growing in popularity, also is unregulated, so there's no guarantee of a payout.

And even if money is not bet, officials have concerns, given that gambling in general has been correlated with other "risk" behaviors such as drinking.

This year's Oregon Healthy Teens survey found that the percentage of 11th-graders who binge drank, carried a handgun or attacked someone in the past 30 days was higher among those who gambled than those didn't.

Hausotter said state officials plan to meet with gambling prevention specialists next month to figure out how to curb free online gambling and get information out to parents and youth.

In Marion County, the issue already is being addressed in problem gambling prevention presentations given at schools, Kays said. The presentations include a national award-winning youth video that debunks gambling myths.

Deidre Eriksen, a health teacher at Jefferson Middle School, discusses gambling in her health classes along with other risks such as drugs and alcohol abuse. With the Internet, she said, students now can gamble without leaving their homes.

"It's so much more accessible now than it was before," said Eriksen, who received the Outstanding Teacher Participation award last year from the Oregon Problem Gambling Committee. "Now they just have to flip the computer on. It's being inundated in our lives, and we need to learn how to control it."

Statewide, a plan to tackle online gambling likely will be developed this summer in time to hit schools in the fall, Hausotter said. Strategies could include written material and classroom activities.

Internet safety is expected to be a focus, with officials urging parents to pay attention to yet another activity that children could be doing online.

"Just about every kid has a casino in their bedroom if they want," Hausotter said.

ekim@statesmanjournal.com or (503) 399-6721


Survey results
Results of the survey "Oregon Youth and Their Parents: Gambling and Problem Gambling Prevalence and Attitudes" found that:

• Six in 10 Oregon adolescents surveyed (63 percent) have gambled at some time in their lives
• 46 percent have gambled in the past year
• 3 percent gamble once per week or more often
  

Comparison
Comparing 1998 and 2007 survey results:

• Gambled in the past year: 66 percent in 1998, 46 percent in 2007 (an estimated 131,949 12-year-olds to 17-year-olds)
• Gambled on the Internet for free: 33 percent in 2007 (an estimated 94,659 12-year-olds to 17-year-olds)
• Gambled on the Internet for money: 0.3 percent in 1998, 0.6 percent in 2007 (an estimated 17,210 12-year-olds to 17-year-olds)
• Gambled via cards: 31 percent in 1998, 32 percent in 2007 (an estimated 91,503 12-year-olds to 17-year-olds)
  

Getting help

• Hotline: 1-877-my-limit
• Web site: http://1877mylimit.org/: live chat, instant messaging and e-mail available
  

Risk factors
Risk factors for youth problem- gambling include:

• Living in a single-parent household
• Being male
• Living in households with incomes less than the median
• Playing school sports
• Having lost more than $50 in a month
• Starting gambling before entering eighth grade

Oregon problem gambling awareness poster search winners now online

[Above: top-selected poster in Oregon (2009 calendar cover); created by Cirra Halter, 8th grade, of Mt Angel Middle School.]

The top ten posters in Oregon for the 2008 Problem Gambling Awareness Week middle school poster search are now online here.

Lane County's top 10 posters are below.

Would you like to see more? Upload your region's posters to the blog or send them to Julie Hynes.

DHS poster calendar shows ills of problem gambling

DHS News Release December 26, 2007

General contact: Ken Palke, 503.947.5286 Program contact: Wendy Hausotter, 503.945.9703

Thousands of Oregonians will be admiring the artistic endeavors of a dozen middle school students during 2008 on an Oregon Department of Human Services color calendar designed to increase awareness of problem gambling.




Approximately 75,000 Oregon adults experience problems related to their gambling, which also impacts children and families.

Earlier this year the DHS Addictions and Mental Health Division sponsored its fifth annual middle school poster contest to help students learn more about the risks of gambling and to alert parents and educators that problem gambling can be a serious health issue.

A dozen posters were chosen from several hundred entries submitted by students around the state. Many posters were created during Problem Gambling Awareness Week in March. Gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100 were awarded to two teachers and the 12 students selected.

The student artists are (grade and school at time of submission listed):

• January: Megan Tilley, 7th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson
  
• February: Amy Senestraro, 6th grade, Ashland Middle School, Ashland


• March: Marissa Parr, 8th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson
  
• April: Julie Meyer, 8th grade, Heppner High School, Heppner


• May: Trace Byrd, 8th grade, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles


• June: Chandra Sinnott, 8th grade, Central Linn High School, Halsey
  
• July: Brianna Dweg, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles
  
• August: Katy Cheung, 8th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene
  
• September: Natalie Tolmachoff, 8th grade; Mark Twain Middle School, Silverton
  
• October: Jacob Young, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene
  
• November: Bailey White, 7th grade, Ontario Middle School, Ontario
  
• December: Sydney Sprague, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene

Ten thousand calendars were circulated to many local DHS offices, schools and community organizations and are available free of charge. Telephone 503.945.6187 for details.

Free problem gambling treatment is available statewide. To reach the free and confidential Oregon Problem Gambling Hotline, telephone 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit 1877mylimit.org.

DHS manages the Lottery-financed problem-gambling program as part of its services to prevent and help Oregonians overcome the negative effects of addictions. More information about problem gambling is available on the DHS Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction/gambling.shtml#aware.

DHS will soon launch a similar search for art for next year's problem gambling awareness calendar. Middle schools and community groups working with middle school aged children will receive information in January. The deadline for the 2009 Problem Gambling Awareness Art Search will be March 21. An entry form is also available by calling 503-945-6187.

(Note to editors: Student calendar artwork is available in PDF format. Call 503.947.5286). ###

Additional note: all 12 winning posters featured in the 2008 calendar are also online at: http://www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling/ORpostergallery2007.htm

Video: "Teen Gambling: It's a Risky Deal"

Teen Gambling: It's a Risky Deal" is an award-winning eight-minute "Mythbuster" themed video featuring Oregon youth. The video is educating, entertaining, and easy to plug in to class discussions. For ordering information, contact Greta Coe, Resource & Technical Assistance Coordinator, Oregon Problem Gambling Services.

Indiana after-school programs now include problem gambling

'Gambling a top issue for youth prevention programs.'

From Indiana University's "Living Well" News Page
[Source: http://newsinfo.iu.edu/tips/page/normal/3685.html?s=pages]

After-school substance abuse prevention programs in Indiana will incorporate problem gambling prevention initiatives for the first time this year, said Mary Lay, program coordinator of Indiana Problem Gambling Prevention for the Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana University Bloomington.

"We felt it was important to include this content in youth programming because gambling has become more pervasive in many ways in our culture," Lay said. "There are more gambling venues -- not only casinos, but also on the Internet and in social situations where youth are participating. On television, half the cable stations are carrying Texas hold'em or celebrity poker shows. We have been getting feedback from schools and youth groups that they are seeing more young people developing problems with losing money or personal property through gambling. We hope to get ahead of the curve and educate youth about problem gambling before it becomes more prevalent."

Click here to read the complete article.

2007 college gambling survey findings

The executive report of findings from the 2007 college gambling survey is available online.

450 University of Oregon students participated in a confidential online survey, conducted by Northwest Survey & Data Services, Inc., in May 2007.

Data from the survey will be used to plan evidence-based problem gambling awareness efforts in conjunction with the University of Oregon.

New video highlighting gambling’s risks to youth

DHS News Release June 18, 2007

Contact: Jim Sellers 503-945-5738
Program contact: Bob Miller 503-945-6185

A new video that takes a fast-moving, often humorous approach to highlighting the risks of youth gambling is being made available free to middle school teachers and other youth leaders by the Oregon Department of Human Services.

The 8-1/2-minute video, “Teen Gambling: It’s a Risky Deal,” features catchy graphics, interviews with middle-school students from Burns, Eugene, John Day and Ontario, and two Oregon adolescent actors as anchors.

“Although students who gamble often start in middle school, most schools don’t address gambling as part of their health curriculum,” said Bob Nikkel, Oregon Department of Human Services assistant director for mental health and addictions. “This short video will give those who work with youth a chance to engage them and start the discussion about gambling’s potential risks.”

[View complete news release here.]

KOIN-TV News story: 'More teens try hand at gambling' (6/19/07)

Oregon's first problem gambling prevention video debut

June 5, 2007 (Eugene) -- The first Oregon problem gambling prevention video debuted at Monroe Middle School in Eugene. The video was commissioned by Oregon Problem Gambling Services, and produced by Allied Video Productions in conjunction with Marcia Martin & Associates, LLC.

KVAL-TV News story/video: 'Local students make video to prevent problem gambling' (6/5/07)

KMTR-TV News story/video:'New video: Gambling prevention for teens' (6/5/07)


[Photos Top: News cameras capture the premiere as students watch. Bottom: Michele Armand from KVAL-13 TV interviews Monroe Middle School teacher Sarah Kerr-Daly about the new video.]
___

Full story:
Lane County Problem Gambling Prevention: Youth Video Media Center

Argus Observer story: "Problem gambling awareness art contest"

Argus Observer (Ontario, Oregon) May 3, 2007

Problem gambling awareness art contest

"Ontario - Problem gambling harms more than 10,000 Oregon teens and 75,000 Oregon adults. There was a search for “calendar” artwork from middle school students to promote Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness."

For the complete article, click here.

In-School Problem Gambling Prevention Handout

To: In-school prevention folks.
It looks like I'll have a one-shot opportunity to give a one-page (double-sided) handout of information to public Middle and Jr. High School students in the county this school year. I'm wondering what would be a best choice. I'm thinking I could use the Oregon DHS "Gambling is Risky Business. Know the Odds" brochure for youth (Publication DHS 91062). But, I'd like to add information about setting healthy limits into the white space at the end of the brochure. The content I'm thinking of adding is set out below. The symbols to the left of each point are really bullets (didn't translate well into the blog format).
What do you think about this idea? Do you have a better idea?
Mary Ann

Setting Healthy Limits

Guidelines for responsible gambling:

• Gamble only for fun.
• Use only fun money (like you would if you went bowling or to a movie).
• Think of the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment.
• Set a dollar limit and stick to it.
• Set a time limit and stick to it.
• Accept losing as part of the game.
• Don’t borrow money to gamble.
• Don’t let gambling interfere with family, friends, school, or work.
• Don’t gamble to win back losses.
• Don’t use substances that impair your decision making.
• Don’t use gambling as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
• Know the law on underage gambling.
• Talk to a counselor if you think you have a problem.
  

Agency Name Address Contact Numbers

Seattle Times covers Oregon DHS news release

"Ore. study shows teen gambling tied to other risky behaviors"
Seattle Times
Printed Sunday, March 19, 2007 Associated Press

Click here to view the article.

News release: New data show correlation between teen gambling, other risk behaviors

DHS news release
March 7, 2007

Contact: Ann Snyder, 503-945-5922
Program contact: Jeff Marotta, 503-945-9709

Source: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2007news/2007-0307.shtml

New correlations from the 2006 Oregon Healthy Teens Survey indicate eighth- and 11th-grade students who gamble also are more likely to be involved in other risky behaviors.

“The data are startling, showing students who gamble are more likely to have had sexual intercourse, consumed alcohol, carried a handgun, been in a fight or attacked someone with an intent to hurt them seriously,” said Jeff Marotta, problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Marotta said the data bolster plans to produce a seven-minute video, expected to be available in April, that will be distributed free to schools, boys and girls clubs, faith organizations, and other sites to encourage youth discussions of problem gambling. The video will feature Oregon middle school students talking about gambling, and will be accompanied by activity and discussion guides.

“The video will focus discussion that will help teenagers understand how to avoid getting into trouble with gambling,” Marotta said.

These were among the correlations in the survey data:

• Sexual intercourse: Eighth-grade gamblers were nearly twice as likely to have had sex as non-gamblers. The difference for 11th-grade gamblers was approximately 25 percent.
• Handguns: Gamblers at both grade levels were three times as likely to have carried a handgun as non-gamblers.
• Physical fights: Eighth-grade gamblers were more than three times as likely to have been in a fight during the prior 12 months, while 11th-graders were more than twice as likely to have been in fights.
• Attacks: Gamblers at both grade levels were nearly three times as likely as non-gamblers to have attacked someone during the prior 12 months with an intent to seriously hurt the individual.
• Alcohol: Eighth-grader gamblers were nearly twice as likely to have consumed alcohol and 11th-graders about a third more likely than non-gamblers.
  

“This isn’t a cause-and-effect relationship,” Marotta said. “Gambling doesn’t cause these other behaviors. But gambling should be a signal to parents that they ought to be talking to teens about risky behaviors including gambling.

Parents and schools both warn about such things as tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, and too often gambling is viewed as a healthy alternative. That isn’t necessarily so.”

In focus groups conducted by Multnomah County and the private nonprofit Oregon Partnership, Marotta noted, a majority of participating teens said they gamble. In contrast, parents, when asked what their kids do for fun, didn’t even mention gambling until they were prompted. Teens said the winner of a weekend poker tournament could take home winnings of as much as $500.

The DHS problem gambling services program, which also offers free treatment, is financed by 1 percent of Oregon Lottery revenues and is among DHS services to prevent and treat addictions. People interested in more information about problem gambling treatment may call toll free 1-877-2-STOP-NOW (1-877-278-6766).

DHS News Release: Problem Gambling Poster Contest

DHS news release
Feb. 5, 2007
Contact: Jim Sellers 503-945-5738
Program contact: Jeff Marotta 503-945-9709

Middle school students invited to enter calendar art contest
Oregon middle-school students are invited to enter artwork for a 2008 calendar that will be used to increase problem gambling awareness.

An estimated 75,000 adult Oregonians experience problems related to their gambling, which also impacts children and families.

"This is a chance for students both to learn more about the risks of gambling and to capture the attention of parents and educators who may not have problem gambling on their radar as a health issue to look out for," said Jeff Marotta, problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services. He said teachers are invited to encourage students to participate during Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 5-11.

Artwork should be entered on white, letter-size paper with the name of the student artist, grade level, school and teacher's name on the back. Entries should be submitted to DHS's Greta Coe at 500 N.E. Summer St., N.E., E-86, Salem, OR 97301.

Deadline for submissions is March 30.

More detail about the contest, including suggested themes for artwork, is available on the DHS Web site. Gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100 will be awarded to 12 students and two teachers.

DHS manages the Lottery-financed problem-gambling program as part of its services to prevent and help Oregonians overcome the negative effects of addictions.
# # #

As of this post, local Oregon papers covering the story include:
Corvallis Gazette Times: http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2007/02/06/news/community/6loc08_gambling.txt

Newport News Times: http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2007/02/07/community/community17.txt

Oregon school gambling policies

Note: The following policies were located online in a search of policies related to gambling (October 2006). This sampling of policies is not exhaustive, but meant as a guide to help facilitate the development of school gambling policies, given that student/parent handbooks are written in various formats.

Amity School District (Amity) Student/Parent Handbook
Definition: Participation in game of chance for the purpose of exchanging money.
Consequences: “Students shall be liable to discipline, suspension, or expulsion for misconduct including…gambling.”

Cascade Middle School (Bend) Student Handbook
Definition: To wager money or anything of value on the outcome of a game, contest or other event.
Consequences: “(Gambling) may result in detention, loss of privileges and/or suspension on the first offense; serious or repeated offenses may result in recommendation for expulsion.”

Elmira High School (Elmira) Student/Parent Handbook 2006-2007
Definition: (No definition for gambling listed.)
Consequences: Step 1= Detention/Wednesday School; Step 2= Suspension 1-3 School Days; Step 3= Suspension 5-10 School Days

Fir Ridge Campus Alternative High School (Portland) Student Handbook
Definition: Risking something of value in hopes of winning something else of value is prohibited on school property or at school activities.
Descriptor (no specific consequence listed): Gambling is listed as one of the “prohibited actions which are never allowed on campus or at school function.”

Gaston Junior/Senior High School (Gaston) Student Handbook 2004-2005
Definition: Participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money and other things of value
Consequences: First offense=ranges from informal talk to suspension. Repeated offense=ranges from conference to suspension.

Grant Union High School (John Day) Student Handbook 2006-2007
Definition: Participating in games of chance for purpose of exchanging money.
Consequences: Range from informal talk to suspension.

Junction City High School (Junction City) Student Handbook 2005-2006
Consequences: Step 1 = Detention, confiscation of property; Step 2 = Suspension 1-5 days
(No definition for gambling listed.)

Lundy Elementary School (Lowell) Student Handbook 2003-2004
Descriptor: “Gambling will not be allowed in the school buildings or on the school grounds, or during school sponsored activities.”
(No definition or specific consequences for gambling listed.)

Monroe Middle School (Eugene) Student/Parent Handbook 2006-2007
Definition: All forms of gambling are forbidden and will not be permitted. Soliciting or conducting a lottery on school ground is also forbidden.
Discipline: “Depending on seriousness of situation, full range of sanctions apply including suspension and possible expulsion.”

North Marion High School (Aurora) Student Handbook 2003-2004
Definition: participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money or property.
Consequences: Gambling is listed as one of the “serious misconduct” behaviors. (No specific consequence listed.)

Oakridge High School (Oakridge) Student Planner 2005-2006
Consequences: First occurrence=1 day suspension, 10 points; Repeated occurrences=1 day suspension, 20 points.
(No definition for gambling listed.)

Rogue River High School (Rogue River) Student Handbook 2006-2007
Definition: Participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money, property, or services.
Consequences: First offense= conference to suspension. Repeated offense= Suspension to expulsion.

Thurston High School (Springfield) Student Handbook 2006-2007
“Gambling in any form between students is prohibited.”
(No definition for gambling listed.)

USA Today article on youth gambling prevention efforts

September 6, 2006 -- USA Today article features information on Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon's youth gambling prevention efforts. Click here to read the full article, "Indiana moves to fight youth gambling addictions," by Donna Leinwand.

Key points:

Indiana:
Started an after-school program that educates youth about the dangers of drugs and gambling addiction. The program enrolls about 14,000 students ages 10-14 each year.

"The move comes as prevention officials across the nation are weighing how to respond to several studies that have indicated that gambling addiction — fueled in part by the recent popularity of Texas Hold 'Em, a poker game — is an increasing problem among youths."

Oregon:
Currently integrating problem gambling prevention with substance abuse prevention curriculum

Minnesota:
Minnesota Institute of Public Health designed gambling prevention curricula in the early 1990s, when the popularity of casino gambling took off. The programs are available to all Minnesota schools but are not a mandatory part of the curriculum.