New Change the Game Ohio PSA For Youth
Published: August 5, 2026
A person is four times more likely to experience a gambling disorder if they gambled before the age of 12, according to research. With sports betting and gaming evolving each day to entice younger audiences, it’s important for parents, caregivers, and educators to be aware of how youth gambling impacts children and share prevention resources to help those at risk for experiencing gambling harms.
The following PSA video is intended to be shown to individuals under the age of 21 to help explain what gambling is and the impact it can have on developing brains. Please share this video to help prevent youth gambling harms.
Things to consider:
#1 — Most children have access to gambling-related activities.
Did you know over one in three adolescent boys have engaged in gambling in the past year? Though most age restrictions require users to be over 18 or 21 to participate in legal gambling activities, many “child-friendly” games operate similarly to traditional gambling, offering “high-risk, high-reward” opportunities that stimulate dopamine pathways. Or, a child may find loopholes around age restrictions and gain access to gambling platforms online. Activities for parents and caregivers to look out for include prediction markets, social media, loot boxes in video games, sports betting and more.
#2 — Gambling actually changes adolescent brains.
Data shows that young adult individuals who gambled in adolescent years were more likely to report substance use disorders and experience increased rates of risky behaviors (i.e. seatbelt nonuse, driving after drinking alcohol, violence, etc.) than individuals who began gambling as adults — indicating that gambling at an early age significantly influences mental health functioning later in life.
#3 — Prioritize mental health and happiness
The best way you can help your child succeed is to support their mental health. Read the blog from Mental Health America to see how you can support a child’s mental health and consider enrolling your child in healthy activities they enjoy. Ideas include:
⚽ Group sports (soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, etc.)
🎹 Music lessons (piano, guitar, singing, etc.)
🏕️ Boy/girl scouts (see what group is active in your neighborhood at skcscouts.org)
🚴 Individual sports (biking, skateboarding, roller-skating, rollerblading and more)
♟️ Social and academic clubs (talk to your local library, school, park, or community center to see what classes and clubs they offer for children)
Need more ideas? Check out the Summer Unplugged guide to find a list of 40 ways Ohioans across the state can stay active, connected, and entertained all summer and beyond — without the screens.
#4 — Utilize Change The Game Ohio resources
Change the Game Ohio is a statewide youth gambling prevention campaign. Visit the website to learn more about the issue, download resources for parents, educators, and professionals; and explore blogs like A Parent’s Guide to Youth Online Gambling to learn why more kids are choosing to gamble.
Additionally, you can follow @Pausebeforeyouplay_oh on Instagram, @PBYP_OH on X, and Pause Before You Play on Facebook to stay up to date on youth gambling trends and insights.