GCASA films anti-gambling commercial

Provided photo – An anti-gambling commercial was filmed Tuesday in Albion in front of Fischer’s News Stand. The group includes, from left: Paul Figlow, film director from Figlow Productions; Carol Pritchard, Albion High School senior; Alise Pangrazio, GCC student; Phil Ricci, Batavia resident; and Paul Suleski, GCASA intern.

ALBION – The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse filmed a commercial in Albion on Tuesday that is intended to get families talking about gambling. (The video is expected to be released through YouTube next month.)

GCASA received funding from the New York Council on Problem Gambling for 2014 to increase the number of parents who are committed to talking to their children about the dangers associated with underage gambling, said Pat Crowley, project director for Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition.

“This year the focus of the project is getting parents to talk to their children about problem gambling,” she said.

She said fewer than half of parents discuss gambling issues with their children, and research shows that only 13 percent believe their children gamble for money.

“As with many challenging issues for youth, it is important for parents to talk about gambling,” Crowley said. “It is important for parents to examine their own attitudes and habits around gambling and make sure you are modeling healthy behaviors.”

Gambling has become more accepted than ever before as a pastime, not only for adults but also for youth. Crowley wants parents to about gambling to prevent serious addiction problems.

For more information regarding problem gambling contact GCASA at 585-589-0055 in Albion or 585-343-1124 in Batavia or you can reach the NYS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY.