The application of youth substance use media campaigns to problem gambling: a critical evaluation.

Despite the negative impact that problem gambling poses on individuals and society there have been few gambling prevention campaigns specifically targeting youth. The authors review the literature on past and current drug, alcohol, and tobacco use prevention media campaigns, examining the similarities across 25 health communication programs with the aim of viewing their applicability for the prevention of youth problem gambling. Critical features of effective campaigns are identified and assessed in terms of their applicability for youth problem gambling. Recommendations for the design, implementation, and evaluation of a youth gambling media campaign are discussed.