Reckamp produced a poster titled “Underage Gambling Will Leave You Scrambling.” She will receive a $1,000 Project 21 scholarship towards tuition at Truman State University. She plans to study chemistry and health studies for a career as a pharmacist.

“When I researched this issue, I learned that decisions you make now can greatly influence your future, even if you don’t think they will,” said Reckamp, who displayed her poster in the main foyer of the school. “96% of adult male recovering gamblers said they started gambling before age 14.”

The Missouri Gaming Association annually awards two $1,500 scholarships and four $1,000 scholarships, jointly issued to the winners and the accredited institutions of higher education they select.

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.

The scholarship requires students to create essays, posters or videos on the illegality and dangers of underage gambling and publish or display them in their schools to help educate other students.
“We know that young people are influenced by their peers, so Project 21 encourages them to learn about the issues of underage gambling and share that information with their classmates,” said Mike Winter, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Association.

The Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry, which is celebrating its 20th year. The Missouri Gaming Association works to increase awareness of the economic benefits of casinos in Missouri. For details, visit www.missouricasinos.org.

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