Problem Gambling Competition Offers Missouri Students Scholarships

The Missouri Gaming Association wants to ensure that gamblers under the age of twenty-one stay out of state casinos. That is one of the reasons the Association has called upon students to help enlighten their peers about the dangers of gambling.

Project 21 is a competition among students to create videos, essays, or posters that show how dangerous gambling can be. Those who turn in projects are then judged, and the winners receive college scholarships. The program has been taking place for fourteen years, and has given dozens of scholarships to winners.

The Association handed out four $1,000 scholarships, and two $1,500 scholarships this year. Two students tied for one of the $1,000 scholarships, and were awarded $500 each. Conner White won one of the top scholarships for his video, with Tanner Dicus being awarded the other for an essay.

"The Missouri casino industry is dedicated to education in our state, both through the education funding from gaming tax revenues and through awareness efforts like Project 21," said Mike Winter, Executive Director of the Missouri Gaming Association.

One of the main criticisms of gambling expansion around the US is that it promotes underage gambling. Reports have indicated that this is not the case in all areas, with many states placing an emphasis on teaching students about the dangers that could be associated with all forms of gambling.

Missouri is one of the states that has a plan in place for this awareness drive. In recent years, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Delaware, Connecticut, West Virginia, and Colorado are just some of the states that have expanded casino gambling. Delaware has even added sports betting to their offerings.

June 21, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!