The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has recently announced its Fall 2022 grant recipients, awarding a total of $120,000 in funding to three organizations dedicated to problem gambling prevention programs. The Agility Grant initiative, made possible through support from the National Football League Foundation and FanDuel, aims to establish and expand problem gambling prevention efforts across the United States. Over the course of three years, the program plans to distribute more than $1 million to address problem gambling at both primary and secondary levels, targeting youth and adolescents, among others.
NCPG’s Commitment to Problem Gambling Prevention:
The NCPG, in collaboration with the National Football League Foundation and FanDuel, is committed to combating problem gambling, especially among young adults and adolescents. The Agility Grant initiative plays a crucial role in funding prevention strategies that have a significant impact on reducing the personal, social, and economic costs associated with problem gambling. The program focuses on supporting organizations that prioritize prevention innovation, collaboration, amplification, and community impact.
Problem Gambling Among Youth:
The NCPG emphasizes that problem gambling among youth is a growing public health concern, with approximately 60% of high-school-aged adolescents admitting to gambling for money in the last year. Even more concerning, 10-14% of adolescents are at risk of developing a gambling problem, and research indicates that 4-6% of adolescents already have serious gambling issues. By targeting prevention efforts at an early stage, the NCPG aims to curb problem gambling among the youth and prevent potential long-term consequences.
Fall 2022 Agility Grant Recipients:
The Fall 2022 Agility Grant funding round has resulted in support for three impactful prevention programs:
Freedom House of Mecklenburg, Inc.: This organization will receive Agility Grant support for its “Problem Gambling Primary and Secondary Prevention Curriculum Development” program. It involves a collaborative school-based initiative that will incorporate problem gambling prevention curriculum into the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS).
Ohio in Arabic: This initiative will be supported by Agility Grant funding for its “Let Me Tell You Why” campaign. The bilingual awareness campaign is designed to reach Arab youths and their families across Ohio, promoting problem gambling awareness and prevention.
Volunteers of America Oregon (VOA Oregon): The organization will receive Agility Grant support for its “Peer Driven Problem Gambling Prevention Campaign” targeting high school and college-age student athletes. By focusing on peer-driven prevention, this campaign aims to create a more relatable and influential message among young athletes.
Future Agility Grant Funding:
The Agility Grant program holds two funding rounds each year, and the Spring 2023 funding round is set to be open for applications from January 18 to February 28, 2023. Organizations committed to problem gambling prevention initiatives can apply during this period to secure funding for their programs.
The NCPG’s Fall 2022 Agility Grant recipients demonstrate the organization’s dedication to addressing problem gambling at its roots and promoting prevention efforts across various communities. By investing in innovative and impactful programs, the NCPG, with support from the National Football League Foundation and FanDuel, aims to create a healthier and safer environment for youth and adolescents, ensuring they can make informed choices about gambling and its potential risks.