NCPG’S Too Young to Bet Campaign Receives Bronze Anthem Award for Social Impact

Recognition highlights youth gambling prevention efforts as NCPG prepares to launch expanded resources for its 2026 campaign. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced today that its 2025 Too Young to Bet campaign has received a Bronze Anthem Award in the Health – Addiction & Recovery Support category of the 6th Annual Anthem Awards, which recognize excellence in social impact initiatives around the world. 

Introduced in 2025, Too Young to Bet expands NCPG’s longstanding Gift Responsibly Campaign beyond lottery products to raise awareness about the risks associated with all forms of youth gambling. In its inaugural year, the campaign provided educational resources and public awareness messaging to help communities address underage gambling and encourage adults to take an active role in prevention. 

“The work of social impact doesn’t pause when conditions get harder, and this year’s Anthem Winners proved it,” said Anthem Awards General Manager Patricia McLoughlin. “Facing new challenges, they kept building, kept organizing, and kept delivering for the people and causes they serve. They set a new standard for good, one defined as much by persistence as by results.” 

“Youth gambling prevention requires a collective effort, and this recognition reflects the commitment of organizations working to bring greater attention to an often-overlooked issue,” said Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG’s Board of Directors. “This recognition reinforces the importance of expanding access to education and prevention resources. As we build on this momentum, our focus is on reaching more families, equipping more adults with practical tools, and making youth gambling prevention a shared priority.” 

Anthem Award recipients are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. The 6th Annual Anthem Awards received more than 2,500 submissions from 43 countries, marking the competition’s largest year to date. 

2026 Too Young to Bet Campaign Expands Focus on Trusted Adults 

Building on this recognition, NCPG invites lotteries, gambling operators, community organizations, and other stakeholders to participate in the 2026 Gift Responsibly/Too Young to Bet campaign, which places a greater emphasis on equipping trusted adults with the knowledge and resources to prevent youth gambling. 

In response to new national research conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of NCPG, the 2026 campaign will feature expanded resources to help trusted adults understand the risks of youth gambling and start age-appropriate conversations. The research found that 64% of parents with children under 18 are concerned about underage gambling, yet only 51% of parents with children ages 6–17 have discussed the risks with their children. Additionally, 90% of parents with children under 18 identified at least one resource that would make those conversations easier. Launching next week, the expanded campaign toolkit will include updated messaging, social media materials, and educational resources, alongside a new website serving as a resource hub for parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults. 

Registration for the 2026 Too Young to Bet campaign is now open! NCPG invites organizations to join the effort, amplify youth gambling prevention messages, and help equip parents and other trusted adults with the resources they need to protect young people. Sign up today at NCPGambling.org/TYTB to be part of the 2026 campaign.