Annual Conference Information

Smart Choices

Youth Gambling Prevention Program

 The Council has received a three year (2009 to 2012) pilot program grant from the Department of Health, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs (BDAP), for a youth problem gambling prevention program.

• Research tells us that 80% of students between the ages of 12-17 have gambled for money in the past year.
• Adolescent prevalence rates range between 4-8% with a serious gambling problem and
• another 10-15% of youth at risk for developing a gambling problem.

 Smart Choices is a non-curriculum based program.  The pilot structure provides for a classroom facilitator-lead program of 4 sessions.  The intention of the program is to focus on the inherent risks of gambling and emphasizes positive decision making skills.

 Smart Choices scope covers middle school to high school students with separate college level content.

 Smart Choices is piloting the program during the months of  February/March with several  schools in the Philadelphia School District. Other schools are preparing for presentations beginning in March.

 If you are interested in learning more about the Smart Choices program, please contact the Program Manager, Carl Robertson.  Email: cersilk@comcast.net

Be a part of the solution!

~~~~~~~~~~