R U UP? gives the good on student gambling

R U UP?

Responsible Gambling Council Gives Students the Straight Deal on Gambling

Inspired by the increasing popularity of poker, online gambling and stories from youth across the province, the Responsible Gambling Council presents R U UP?, a new drama that examines the potential risks of gambling.

R U UP? visits Clarkson Secondary School from 9:25 to 10:25 a.m. on Monday, February 9. 

Did you know? Young adults are at twice the risk of developing a gambling problem.

“Problem gambling is an issue people normally associate with older adults,” explains Laurie Bell, Director of Prevention Programs, Responsible Gambling Council.  “In reality, a 19-year-old is more likely to have a problem with gambling than a 50-year-old. That’s why it’s so important to reach out to high school students now and let them know about the risks of gambling.”

R U UP? explores the personal costs that face a first-year university student, and those around her, as she becomes more and more focused on her next bet. The dramatic performance is inspired by creative contributions by Ontario high school students and is followed by an interactive student debrief designed to reinforce the drama’s messages.

“Young adults are much more likely to see poker or online gambling as a way to make money,” explains Bell. “This kind of distorted thinking can be a real set-up for a gambling problem. On the Internet, in movies and on TV, gambling is positioned as cool and fun.  Our goal is to encourage a sense of caution now, so that when these students become young adults, they are aware of the less glamorous side of gambling.”

The Responsible Gambling Council has developed and produced five stage productions for young people, including the new drama R U UP?, house of cards, Caught in the Game, Three-of-a-Kind and after the beep. These dramas have been designed to increase awareness of problem gambling and its signs, suggest ways to avoid a gambling problem, and let audience members know where they can get local help. To date, these performances have reached more than 170,000 young people with powerful and engaging awareness messages.

The most common signs of a potential problem, which are reflected through the characters’ experiences in R U UP?, include:

Signs of Problem Gambling:

•  Thinking more and more about the game
• Skipping classes or work to gamble
• Spending more money or time than intended
• Spending more money to win back money that’s been lost
• Lying to family and friends about gambling
• Expecting to make money from gambling

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to problem gambling prevention. RGC designs and delivers highly effective awareness programs. Through the RGC Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices, the Council also promotes the identification and adoption of best practices in problem gambling prevention.