What's Happening?
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced that its 2025 'Too Young to Bet' campaign has been honored with a Bronze Anthem Award. This recognition falls under the Health – Addiction & Recovery Support category of the 6th Annual Anthem Awards,
which celebrates excellence in social impact initiatives globally. The 'Too Young to Bet' campaign, launched in 2025, is an expansion of NCPG's long-running Gift Responsibly Campaign. Its primary goal is to broaden awareness about the risks associated with all forms of youth gambling, moving beyond just lottery products. In its initial year, the campaign successfully provided educational resources and public awareness messages to assist communities in addressing underage gambling and to encourage adults to actively participate in prevention efforts. Patricia McLoughlin, General Manager of the Anthem Awards, commended this year's winners for their persistence and dedication to social impact despite challenging conditions. The Anthem Awards recipients are chosen by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and this year's event saw over 2,500 submissions from 43 countries, marking it as the largest competition to date.
Why It's Important?
This award highlights the growing recognition of youth gambling as a significant public health issue in the U.S. The 'Too Young to Bet' campaign's success underscores the critical need for targeted prevention efforts and educational resources for young people and their guardians. With the expansion of gambling options, including online platforms and sports betting, the risks to underage individuals have increased, making campaigns like NCPG's more vital than ever. The recognition from the Anthem Awards can amplify the campaign's reach, potentially leading to greater public awareness and engagement from various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policymakers. Increased awareness can foster a more proactive approach to prevention, potentially reducing the long-term societal costs associated with problem gambling, such as mental health issues, financial distress, and academic problems among youth. This award also validates the efforts of organizations dedicated to social impact, encouraging continued investment and innovation in addressing complex societal challenges.
What's Next?
Building on the momentum of this award, the NCPG is preparing to launch its expanded 2026 'Too Young to Bet' campaign. This upcoming iteration will place a greater emphasis on equipping trusted adults with the necessary knowledge and resources to prevent youth gambling. New national research conducted by The Harris Poll for NCPG revealed that 64% of parents with children under 18 are concerned about underage gambling, yet only 51% of parents with children aged 6–17 have discussed these risks with their children. Furthermore, 90% of parents identified at least one resource that would facilitate these conversations. In response, the 2026 campaign will feature expanded resources, including updated messaging, social media materials, and educational tools, along with a new website designed as a resource hub for parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults. The NCPG is inviting lotteries, gambling operators, community organizations, and other stakeholders to participate in the 2026 campaign, with registration currently open.
Beyond the Headlines
The recognition of the 'Too Young to Bet' campaign points to a broader societal shift in acknowledging and addressing the often-overlooked issue of youth gambling. Historically, problem gambling has been less visible than other addictions, particularly among younger demographics. This award could catalyze more comprehensive public health strategies and policy discussions around responsible gambling, age verification, and advertising regulations in the U.S. It also highlights the ethical responsibility of the gambling industry to support prevention efforts and protect vulnerable populations. The campaign's focus on empowering 'trusted adults' signifies a community-based approach to prevention, recognizing that parents, teachers, and coaches play a crucial role in shaping young people's understanding of risks. This multi-faceted approach could lead to long-term cultural changes in how society views and discusses gambling, fostering a more informed and protective environment for youth.
