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Youth & Schools Gambling Resources

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Youth & Schools Gambling Resources

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CONTACT US


Problem Gambling Prevention
3160 Center Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-588-5357
Email: MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us

Problem Gambling & Youth



According to the Responsible Gaming Council, teens are less likely to see gambling as an activity that can lead to a problem. Youth are exposed to gambling on a daily basis from sports betting, lotteries, fantasy sports, and gaming. That's why it is vital for parents and other adult caregivers to talk to youth about problem gambling. 

Did you know ...

  • Approximately 2.2% of Oregon teens struggle with problem gambling.
  • Teens who gamble have higher rates of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use. They also have higher rates of suicidal ideation, when compared to non-gambling teens.
  • Gambling opportunities are widespread and are available on the internet, mobile apps and in lottery-style games.
  • Many people experiencing a gambling disorder report having started gambling as a teenager..
Problem gambling may be easy to hide as there usually aren't any outward physical signs, such as those associated with drinking or taking drugs.


Resources & Learning Opportunities for Students




High School Healthy Choices Video Contest

Join the 2026 Healthy Choices Video Contest!

Marion County, Polk County, Capital Community Media, and Salem Health have partnered to bring back the 2026Healthy Choices Video Contest. $500-$1,000 prizes are awarded to the Top-3 winners based on educational content, creativity, and video production.  Download the contest registration form and enter your creative video for a chance to win! Due Date: January 14th, 2026 

2026 Healthy Choices Video Contest Registration and Release Form.docx
Previous Video Contest Winners!

Check out previous year winners on our ​​​YouTube Page​


 

"To Live" by Ellis Deister, Jaeger Baer, and Aiden Conn from West Salem High School placed 1st in the 2025 Healthy Choices Video Contest. 

 


Educator & Parent Resources





Why should we be concerned about teen gambling? 

2019 Oregon Adolescent Problem Gambling Fact Sheet

  • About 1 in 4 teens gamble in a typical month
  • Teens who gamble have higher rates of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use, as well as suicidal ideation, when compared to non-gambling teens
  • Gambling opportunities are increasingly widespread, and are available on the internet, on mobile apps, and in new lottery games
  • Many people experiencing a gambling disorder report having started gambling as a teenager
  • About 2.2% of Oregon teens struggle with problem gambling or gambling disorder
  • Youth can hide gambling problems well, as there aren't any outward physical signs, such as those associated with drinking or taking drugs

Oregon 8th grade students who gamble have higher rates of substance use

Oregon 8th grade students who gamble have higher rates of poor mental health outcomes

11th Grade Student Gambling & Substance Use
11th Grade Student Gambling & Mental Health

Educator and Parent Resources

Problem gambling prevention efforts are meant to supplement current classroom activities, not to add more work! Here are some resources for parents and teachers to prevent youth gambling:

  • Additional Information: Oregon Problem Gambling Services
  • Student Health Survey Data:  
    2020 Oregon Health Authority Student Health Survey Data 
     
  • Guest Speakers:
    • A Marion County Health Educator provides an interactive, one or multi-day presentation to students about youth gambling prevention
    • A Marion County Health Educator provides a specialized presentation to educators, administrators, and parent groups
  • Art Contest: The Oregon Problem Gambling Art Contest is a statewide competition between middle school students put on every March. Middle school health and art classes submit student artwork. Twelve winners are selected statewide to be featured in the Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Calendar.
  • Curriculum: Problem gambling components that "plug-in" to existing substance abuse prevention curriculum
  • Technical Assistance: Evidence-based educational resources and technical assistance
  • Additional Resources: Contact the Marion County Prevention Team at MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us
Kids and teenagers are exposed to gambling every day. All they have to do is turn on the TV to see poker tournaments, see ads online, download a mobile app, or walk into a mini-mart to see people buying lottery tickets. Even churches and schools often use gambling for fundraising. Gambling is everywhere. Teenagers are at an increased risk of gambling and developing a problem, therefore, education and prevention are essential.


Treatment





The Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline offers free and confidential support to Oregon residents. Evaluations, counseling, and treatment is available by calling 1-800-695-4648. Assistance is available in English and Spanish. For more information, visit www.OPGR.org. 




Email Privacy: While we are happy to answer general questions via email, we suggest you do not transmit personal or health related information in your message. We cannot meet any expectation you might have of confidentiality when you communicate with us over the Internet. If you have a specific personal or health-related issue, please call the appropriate county government office instead.

Email address: health@co.marion.or.us



Programs & Services
To report a public health emergency, or make an urgent report of communicable disease, call 503-588-5621 at anytime.

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