Martin and Mohling each will receive a $500 scholarship for tuition. Both plan to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The students collaborated on a poster to educate youth about the issues of underage gambling.

“I was surprised to learn that underage gambling is illegal,” said Martin, who is considering a major in science or art. “And I didn’t know that some activities, such as buying lottery tickets, are technically considered gambling.”

“People thought we were lying, that you could gamble when you’re 18,” said Mohling, who plans to study physics and philosophy. “We even got into a debate over it in class.”

The Project 21 Scholarship was developed to educate young people about the issues and dangers of underage gambling. In Missouri, it’s illegal for persons under the age of 21 to gamble in a casino. The competition is open to all Missouri high school seniors planning to attend an institution of higher education in the United States within four years of graduation.

Students were asked to create an essay/article, poster or video aimed at educating their peers about the illegality and dangers of underage gambling. The entries were published or viewed in the students’ high schools in February or March to help educate other students.

The Missouri Gaming Association awards $7,000 in scholarships each year, jointly issued to the winners and the accredited institutions of higher education they select.

“The Missouri casino industry is dedicated to education through awareness efforts like Project 21,” said Mike Winter, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Association. “Young people are influenced by what they hear from their peers, so Project 21 is a great way for students to learn and share information about underage gambling with their classmates.”

The Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry and its related professionals. Formed in 1993, the Missouri Gaming Association provides research and information to increase awareness of the economic benefits of Missouri’s casinos.
For more information, visit www.missouricasinos.org.