The Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation (NSGF) launched its first annual Student Scholarship Essay Contest for graduating high school students on March 1, 2010.

The NSGF Essay Contest is an opportunity for Nova Scotia high school graduates to think critically about problem gambling as an issue relevant to Canadian youth.
Participants must craft a 1200-word essay that explores the potential risks of Internet gambling for youth, and discusses how young people’s unique relationship to computers and technology may increase their risk of developing problems with Internet gambling.

The top three finalists will receive a scholarship towards their postsecondary education: $2,000 for 1st place, $1,000 for 2nd place and $500 for 3rd place.

The NSGF recognizes that Nova Scotia’s high school graduates face substantial risk for developing gambling problems in the first few years of young adulthood.

“Research shows that young adults Nova Scotia (19 to 24 years of age) are at highest risk for developing gambling problems and that the prevalence of Internet gambling is a large
factor in that risk” says Celeste Gotell, Executive Director at the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation. “The Foundation aims to help mitigate this trend by providing an opportunity for youth on the cusp of this critical risk period to reflect on
gambling issues."

By encouraging youth to research and dialogue about gambling problems, the NSGF is helping to realize its vision for Nova Scotia: “Individuals, families and communities free from gambling harm.”

The Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation (NSGF) is a not-for-profit, arms-length government organization that encourages and supports an independent response to problem gambling in Nova Scotia.

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For more information contact:

Jen Wheatley
Communication & Events Coordinator
Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation
Toll Free: 1.866.424.0963
902.424.0963
jennifer.wheatley@gov.ns.ca