Melrose Partnering With Schools To Prevent Youth Gambling Harm

MELROSE, MA — The city is working with local schools and community organizations to help prevent gambling-related harm among young people.

Melrose Health and Human Services is leading the initiative with funding from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, according to a release from City Hall and Mayor Jen Grigoraitis. The effort is geared toward educating young people and families about gambling risks while using local input to develop prevention strategies.

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Youth surveys, focus groups, and community engagement are helping officials learn how young people experience gambling, gaming, and sports betting. The information will be used to create prevention messages, print and digital outreach materials, and a plan to evaluate the work.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 44 percent of Massachusetts high school students and 49 percent of middle school students reported engaging in some form of gambling during the previous 12 months in 2025. Those figures measure participation rather than addiction. The city separately cited estimates that 4 to 8 percent of youths experience problem gambling, compared with approximately 1 percent of adults.

City officials said sports betting, online platforms, gaming, social media, and advertising have made gambling more visible and accessible to young people. Early gambling habits can contribute to financial stress, impulsive decision-making, strained relationships, and addiction, according to the city.

The local effort began in fiscal year 2025. Recent work includes producing podcasts about youth gambling and financial literacy, providing virtual training for school staff and other adults who support at-risk youth, and developing a gambling support resource card.

In addition, young people are being involved in prevention campaigns and peer outreach. The city is educating parents, coaches, and educators while offering financial literacy and mindfulness programming through the Recreation Department.

The city received a total of $166,800 through the Gaming Commission's fiscal year 2026 Community Mitigation Fund. The award supports several projects, including gambling prevention, police equipment, a downtown holiday market, and activities for older adults.

Resources for families include the "Let's Talk Risk" toolkit, which provides conversation starters and interactive games for children ages 10 to 13. The city encourages parents to establish rules around screen time and games involving betting, ask about online purchases, and review debit card charges.

Potential warning signs listed by the city include declining school performance, less interest in activities, missing household money, and increased time spent online in secret. Officials said the initiative also focuses on building healthy coping strategies, social connections, and trusted relationships while connecting residents with screening, support, and treatment.

Interested residents can find additional information and educational materials online. Those seeking help can contact the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-327-5050.

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