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Louisiana Gambling Prevention Site Not Publicized

LOUISIANA – As reported by the Shreveport Times: "A Web site set up by the state to prevent youth gambling has received high praise from prevention experts but little attention from teens - because they may not know it exists.

"TheGamble.org was developed by the state Office for Addictive Disorders and went online in December 2002. Since then, the site has received 756 'hits' or Internet visits. OAD officials concede response has been low, and that may be because there hasn't been much promotion of the site.

"…Reece Middleton, executive director for the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, said he is familiar with the site and praised its content. However, he agreed that little has been done to promote the site to adolescents.

"…The site has gotten national exposure on Nickelodeon News and NBC Nightly News.

"…The Louisiana Web site opens with animation then goes to pages with facts, frequently asked questions, games, quizzes, a kids corner for younger children, a Q&A, a need-help section, links and research.

"A green frog in one corner offers did-you-know type information. Other parts of the site answer questions on whether betting on pool or video games is really gambling, on why young people gamble, what to do if you or a friend of yours might have a problem, phone numbers to call for help, and even an adolescent self-test..."

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