International
project "Reverse the Odds":
Prevention of
Risks Related to Youth Gambling
Four partner organizations from Lithuania, Germany,
Serbia, and Greece, implement a project in the youth field funded by the
Erasmus+ program, titled "Reverse the Odds", to prevent gambling
among youth (Project No. 2024-3-DE04-KA210-YOU-000280177).
This project aims to address a increasingly observed
problem – youth engagement in online gambling and its associated risks. The
significant rise in access to online casinos, sports betting, and other
gambling activities in recent years, especially via mobile apps, poses a
serious threat to the emotional, financial, and social well-being of young
people.
Project Goal
The primary goal of the project is to strengthen the
capacities of the youth sector in preventive activities against gambling harms
by utilizing digital engagement with young people. Project activities focus on
developing innovative methods and their practical application, in close
cooperation with various educational, youth, and sports institutions.
Main Activities
The project plans to implement the following measures:
Research on
youth gambling behaviors, reasons, and attitudes towards gambling;
Analysis and
transfer of best practices from various sectors experienced in addiction
prevention;
Training for 16
specialists working with youth, who will gain knowledge on how to recognize,
prevent, and respond to gambling risks;
Development of
digital methods for working with youth, including an e-guide, a series of
podcasts, and elements of a social campaign;
Preparation of
recommendations for municipal youth policy based on research and practical
activities results.
Expected Results
A research report on youth behavior related to gambling;
An e-guide with a clearly structured prevention model, disseminated to at least 30 organizations across Europe;
16 trained specialists who will share their knowledge with an additional 60 colleagues;
Podcasts and a digital campaign reaching about 20,000 people;
Practical recommendations for local authorities on effective preventive measures.
Target Groups
The direct project participants include youth workers,
education and social services specialists, young people aged 15 to 26, and
local policymakers. Indirectly, the project will impact the wider community –
families of young people, guardians, teachers, and decision-makers.
Project Significance
According to European research data, approximately 12%
of youth (aged 15–24) are involved in gambling, with a significant portion
experiencing related problems. Online gambling is particularly dangerous due to
its easy accessibility and often hidden nature. "Reverse the Odds"
aims not only to address this issue but also to develop long-term,
evidence-based solutions.
Implementation Period and Partners
The project runs from 2024 to 2026, in partnership
with experienced organizations from Germany (project coordinator), Lithuania, Serbia,
and Greece, each contributing expertise in youth work, training, or addiction
prevention.
More information about the project and its progress
will be published on the Pagėgiai Municipality Administration's website and
social media channels. Follow
updates with the hashtag: #ReverseTheOdds
More
More news, training and educational material will
posted here soon. Stay tuned.
