WATCH: Southington HS Video On Teen Gambling Problems Unveiled

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A group of Southington High School students has now released a public service announcement warning teenagers about the risks of sports betting, part of a statewide youth gambling awareness initiative.

The two-minute video was produced by 11 members of the Southington STEPS Youth Council, a program under Southington STEPS — the town’s prevention coalition focused on reducing youth substance use and promoting healthy decision-making.

Students began work on the project last October through the Youth Gambling Awareness Project, an annual collaboration among the Capitol Region Education Council, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Problem Gambling Services, and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.

The initiative supports youth-led campaigns to raise awareness about problem gambling and connect peers with resources.

Council members selected sports betting as their focus after identifying what they described as a growing trend among teens in Southington.

The video depicts a group of teens watching the Super Bowl, with one student becoming increasingly upset over the outcome of a game tied to her bets.

The scenes are interspersed with statistics and information highlighting the emotional and financial risks associated with teen gambling.

Kristin Sandler, outreach coordinator for the STEPS Coalition, said Monday that the video is now available to the public and thanked those who have supported the students’ work.

Sandler also said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., plans to visit Southington High School on March 30 to meet with the students and learn more about the project, citing his interest in sports betting issues.

The PSA was produced in partnership with statewide organizations involved in gambling prevention and youth education.

To watch the video, click on this link.

From Feb. 16: 'Southington Teens Tackle Sports Gambling In Student Video'