ALMA?– Bailey’s a typical university student – stressed out about her grades, trying to get together with the guy she’s crushing on and competing with a successful older sister.
She’s also got a problem that’s becoming more and more common among young people – a gambling addiction.
Inspired by the increasing popularity of poker, online gambling and stories from young people themselves, R U Up? is a play that’s been produced by the Responsible Gambling Council and Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation to help educate high school students on the realities of gambling.
The Halifax-based group brought the play to Northumberland Regional High School in Alma on Thursday.
“Problem gambling is an issue people normally associated with older adults,” explained Laurie Bell, director of Prevention Programs, RGC.
“In reality, a 19-year-old is more likely to have a problem with gambling than a 50-year-old. That’s why it’s so important to reach out to high school students now and let them know about the risks of gambling.”
R U UP? explores the personal costs that face a first-year university student, and those around her, as she becomes more and more focused on her next bet.
Amanda Bedson, manager of the tour, plays Bailey’s successful big sister Leah in the production, which travels to high schools across Canada. Leah watches her sister spiral out of control as she skips class, abandons good friendships and lies about gambling.
Bailey even reaches the point where she steals Leah’s credit card and money to fund her addictions.
Eventually, Bailey ends up owing money to the wrong crowd and has to leave university to work off her debt.
“With this play, we show the students the risk with gambling and where they can get help,” Bedson explained.
“It’s geared to students who will be going to university soon and tries to help keep kids out of trouble.”
Students responded well to the play, she added.
“We give them the play, provide them with info, and then do a game at the end,” Bedson said.
“They seem to respond well – they give us the right answers at the end.”