A 2011 Youth Behavior Risk Survey in North Carolina found that 33% of 9th and 12th graders reported some gambling behaviors. To prevent youth from experiencing problems related to gambling the NCPGP offers mini grants ranging from $1,800 to $5,000 to implement an evidence-based program called Stacked Deck to middle schools, high schools and community-based at-risk programs. All instructors are trained in the curriculum and provided with tools to be successful.

Stacked Deck is effective in preventing and reducing the risk of problem gambling among teens and young adults. The evidence-based curriculum was researched by Robert Williams, Ph.D, and Robert Wood, Ph.D, then published in 2010 and updated in 2021. Offered in five to six sessions that run from 35 to 45 minutes each, the program is aimed at changing gambling-related attitudes, knowledge, beliefs and practices. The Stacked Deck curriculum is heavily interactive and includes activities such as role-playing. Participants have designed posters and produced videos with prevention gambling messages. In addition, the curriculum includes take-home “family pages” to engage family members in the program. Participating students are given a pre- and post-curriculum survey.

The application period is rolling; however, most applications are submitted by August 30 of each year. Forty grants are available each State Fiscal Year (July 1 – June 30). Please inquire regarding the availability of grants if you apply after the soft deadline.

The links below include more information on the grant, including guidelines, the application, and examples of outreach from past grant applicants.

Please contact Alison Drain or call 919-800-8482 with any questions.