You are more likely to become an astronaut than you are to win the lottery – one in 13 million compared to one in 14 million.
That’s just one of the gambling statistics students at Erin District High School learned during the Responsible Gambling Council’s Game Brain presentation on Nov. 10.
“It’s kind of a fake game show format and a lot of kids come up and participate and play games and all the messaging is know the risks of gambling now so you don’t get into trouble in the future,” explained co-host Jason Agnew.
“You … think the term gambling you think horse racing and casinos … but there’s more to it than that because kids now, high school students or even before … are exposed to gambling at every turn.”
One of the main focuses of the presentation is on online gambling and fantasy Sports.
“This is very easily accessible and kids don’t necessarily think of that as gambling per se,” Agnew said.
“So we’re here to let them know that is gambling, you can get into trouble from your own home, from your own phone for that matter.”
Agnew’s co-host Matt Philips explained it’s important to talk to high school students.
“The bigger risk is 18 to 25-year-olds (who) are two to three times more likely (than older adults) to gamble, so getting them that message now could help them in the future,” he said.
“And even now just betting with their friends or playing video games could lead to something more serious later on.”
The presentation is completely interactive, with the school separated into two teams and representatives going up on stage to play games on behalf of their teammates. Those sitting in the audience could also get involved by yelling the answers to their on-stage representatives.
“It’s not just a boring talking head,” Philips said. “We’re playing a game with them, it’s not just a guy getting up and saying ‘don’t gamble kids, it’s bad.’
“We are having fun with them. It’s a lot more engaging that way.”
Agnew said he calls the presentation “edutainment” because the students are receiving an education but they’re also entertained.
“When you’re having fun playing a game, when you learn stuff along the way, you don’t necessarily realize it but they’ll walk away with a message or two that will stick in their brain,” he said.
The Game Brain presentation is travelling around Ontario until Dec. 2, with a stop in Palmerston at Norwell District Secondary School on Nov. 18 and in Guelph at Bishop MacDonnell Catholic High School on Nov. 22.
