Gambling Awareness of Seneca County

07/17/2026

🎟️ **Today is National Lottery Day.**

Did you know that Gambling Disorder is the only behavioral addiction officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)? Unlike many other habits, gambling has been shown to affect the brain's reward system in ways that can lead to compulsive behavior despite harmful consequences.

That's why youth prevention matters.

When children and teens are introduced to gambling—even through something that seems harmless, like receiving a lottery ticket as a gift—it can normalize gambling before they fully understand risk, probability, or financial consequences. Early exposure is associated with a greater likelihood of developing unhealthy gambling behaviors later in life.

Problem gambling isn't just about losing money. It can lead to:
🧠 Increased anxiety and depression
💸 Financial hardship and debt
👨‍👩‍👧 Strained family and personal relationships
🎓 Problems at school or work
⚠️ Higher rates of substance use and other mental health challenges

The good news? Prevention works.

One simple way to help is by keeping lottery tickets and other gambling products out of the hands of children and teens. Gambling is an adult activity, and the conversations we have today can help protect the next generation tomorrow.

06/24/2026

Recovery is possible, and every story matters. 💙

The New York Council on Problem Gambling is offering scholarships for individuals with lived experience of gambling-related harm to attend the 2026 New York State Recovery Conference.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, build support networks, and strengthen recovery journeys.

🗓️ Conference Dates: October 25–27, 2026
📍 Albany, NY
✅ Scholarship application required

If you or someone you know has been impacted by gambling-related harm, consider applying.

Friends of Recovery - New York is hosting their Recovery Conference and scholarships are available! Check out the link below for more details on this opportunity!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X8N567Y

06/22/2026

💭 MYTH OR FACT?

"My chances of winning increase after a losing streak."

❌ **MYTH!** Each bet or play is independent. Previous losses do not increase your chances of winning.

Understanding the odds can help you make informed decisions.

What gambling myths have you heard? Share below! 👇

Need help? Call the NY Problem Gambling Helpline at **1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)**.

06/12/2026

⚽ The World Cup is finally here.

The cheers. The rivalries. The last-second goals. The moments that bring friends, families, and entire countries together.

As excitement builds, so does sports betting activity. If you choose to gamble during the tournament, remember that every match is unpredictable—and no bet is ever guaranteed.

This World Cup:

✅ Set a budget before you start
✅ Never chase losses
✅ Keep gambling a form of entertainment, not income
✅ Take breaks and enjoy the game itself
✅ Know the laws and age requirements

In New York, sports betting is only legal for adults age 21 and older. Underage sports betting is illegal, and young people are particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harms.

The best World Cup memories come from the moments on the field and the people watching beside you—not the outcome of a bet.

Enjoy the tournament. Know the odds. Play responsibly. 🌎⚽

06/06/2026

Had so much fun with the seniors at the Senior Center for our first Gardens of Growth session 🌱✨

This interactive wellness program combines the hands-on activity of building a fairy garden with meaningful conversations about wellness as more than just physical health. Together, we explored how emotional, social, and mental wellness all play an important role in helping us live balanced and healthy lives.

This week, we built the foundation layers of our gardens by creating the rock filtration layer and adding soil. Just like the rocks help protect a garden from becoming overwhelmed with water, we discussed the importance of protective factors in our own lives — things like supportive relationships, hobbies, community connections, and healthy coping skills that help us navigate stress and challenges.

As we added the soil layer that gives life and nourishment to the garden, we reflected on the importance of rest, recharging, routines, and activities that help us grow and stay grounded. Through programs like this, we aim to encourage healthy hobbies, emotional wellness, social connection, and positive coping mechanisms that support responsible decision-making and overall well-being.

We also connected these ideas to gambling prevention by discussing how building strong protective factors, healthy coping skills, and supportive routines can help individuals make informed and responsible choices throughout life. 💚

05/28/2026

Protective factors can grow in many forms — creativity, connection, mindfulness, and community all play an important role in overall wellness. 🌱
We’re proud to support Gardens of Growth, a new creative wellness series for older adults at the Seneca County Senior Center.

Come Join Us for this New Program Starting Thursday June 4th at the Senior Center!

05/12/2026

🚨 NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAM ALERT 🚨

We’re excited to officially share more about this new initiative at United Way of Seneca County! 🎉

Thanks to this grant award, we are developing a MOBILE ESCAPE ROOM EXPERIENCE for youth focused on teamwork, critical thinking, healthy decision-making, and youth gambling prevention.

🗝️ Participants will:
🔐 Crack codes
🧩 Solve puzzles
⏱️ Race against the clock
🤝 Work together as a team
🏆 Complete interactive challenges

This is NOT your typical presentation — it’s designed to feel exciting, immersive, and FUN while still helping youth build important life skills and awareness.

Even better? WE BRING IT TO YOU! 🚐

Our mobile setup allows us to travel directly to:
🏫 Schools
🏀 Sports teams
🎮 Youth programs
📚 Libraries
⛺ Camps & community events

Each experience can be tailored to fit the age group and needs of your organization.

Interested in booking the escape room for your group? Contact us!

📞 315-539-1135
📧 Elizabeth— [email protected]

🎉 BONUS: The FIRST THREE organizations to book will receive complimentary refreshments to accompany the experience!

We can’t wait to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to youth across our community! 💙

Great news for Seneca County! The United Way is launching a new youth gambling prevention program thanks to a grant. Learn how to protect young people. 🤝

04/25/2026

⚾️ Opening Day is HERE! 🎉

The Financial Wellness Coalition is excited to celebrate the start of Little League season—where teamwork, growth, and love of the game take center field. ❤️

At the same time, we’re raising awareness about something important:
👉 Youth sports should never be about betting or gambling.

1 in 5 youth gamblers are at risk for problem gambling, and early exposure can increase risks later in life. That’s why we’re here—to keep the focus where it belongs: on kids, skill-building, and positive experiences.

💡 Real success in sports—and in life—comes from:
✔️ Practice and effort
✔️ Smart decisions
✔️ Patience and saving for the future

Not luck. Not risky bets.

⚾️ Let’s work together to:
• Keep youth sports safe and fun
• Model healthy financial habits
• Support a strong, positive future for our kids

Stop by, cast your vote, and tell us what YOU play for!

04/22/2026

🌍 Happy Earth Day!

Gambling is defined as risking something of value on an uncertain outcome.

Today, we’re reminded that some things are too important to risk.

Our planet.
Our wellbeing.
Our future.

🌱 Don’t gamble with what matters most.

Just like we protect the Earth for future generations, we can protect our financial and emotional wellbeing through informed, healthy choices.

Small decisions today create lasting impact tomorrow.

Because a strong future isn’t left to chance — it’s built with intention. 💚

04/16/2026

Play for the love of the game. ⚾️💙

We’re proud to be out in the community sharing an important message:
Baseball is about skill, heart, and fun—not bets or odds.

From field signage to water bottles, we’re working to keep youth sports spaces focused on what truly matters—development, teamwork, and enjoyment of the game.

This message is also echoed at the national level. Little League has made it clear:
there is no place for betting in youth sports.

As gambling becomes more visible in everyday life, it’s more important than ever to protect these spaces and support informed, responsible choices in our communities.

Together, we can keep the game about the kids.