Just like with alcohol and drugs, early exposure to gambling can increase the addiction potential for young and developing brains.

Unlike with alcohol and drugs, parents, other caring adults, and kids and teens are often unaware of the potential risks when young people gamble.

How are young people gambling?

While some young people gamble traditionally (e.g., cards, dice, lottery), many engage in activities that may not even be recognized as gambling, such as:

  • Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
  • Sports Wagering
  • Skins Betting
  • Loot Boxes
  • eSports Betting

Did You Know?

Youth and young adults are 2–4 times more likely to develop a gambling disorder compared to adults due to brain development, gambling access, and low risk awareness.

Here’s How We Help:

Education Workshops

We offer free sessions or workshops for parents, schools, teens, or community groups. These sessions outline the risks of underage gambling and provide helpful resources and tools.

Gambling Counseling

Our counseling services use technology to make help accessible. Watch this short video to learn more.

Teen Problem Gambling Prevention Volunteer Group

Teens can join our volunteer group to make a difference in their communities.

Meet The Team:

Elisa Albarran
Counselor

Elisa Albarran

Provides gambling counseling services in English and Spanish.

Debra Bobo
Peer Recovery Specialist

Debra Bobo

Provides guidance and support around early recovery issues.

Marcos Carrillo
Gambling Outreach Specialist

Marcos Carrillo

Provides Workshops and Educational Materials in English and Spanish.

Nina Naus
Counselor

Nina Naus

Provides Gambling Counseling Services to adults and youth.

Christina Romasanta
Counselor

Christina Romasanta

Provides Gambling Counseling Services.

Heather Shaver
Gambling Services Supervisor

Heather Shaver

Provides Counseling Services and Supervises Gambling Counselors.

Amber Shrum
Counselor

Amber Shrum

Provides counseling for gambling and other addictive disorders.

Elizabeth Thielen
Senior Director

Elizabeth Thielen

A certified gambling counselor and public speaker on the subject, Elizabeth heads up an incredible team of counselors and outreach specialists.

Kentay Varnell
Gambling Outreach Specialist

Kentay Varnell

Kentay provides resource materials and outreach.

Alexis Warden
Counselor

Alexis Warden

Provides gambling counseling services for adults and youth.

Contact Our Team: 

Proud Members Of:

NCPG

Current Client in Nicasa Behavioral Health Services’ Gambling Services?

Click here to access private educational and skill-building programs.

Don’t have a password? Just ask your counselor.