The Missouri Gaming Association has awarded $204,000 to date
JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI — Sophia Littleton, a senior in Brunswick R-11 School District, is the first place winner of the 29th annual Project 21 Scholarship competition sponsored by the Missouri Gaming Association, the professional organization representing casino operators in Missouri. Sophia will receive a $2500 scholarship towards tuition at State Fair Community College where she plans to study Occupational Therapy.
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.
“We know that young people are influenced by their peers, so Project 21 encourages students 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 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 to help educate other students.
“The statistics are unfortunately eye opening. According to the 2022 Missouri Gambling Prevalence Study, sixty-four percent of Missouri adults gamble each year, which means three million people,” wrote Littleton in her winning essay. “Underage gambling in Missouri is not just a legal issue, but also an accessibility and exposure issue…By raising awareness, enforcing age restrictions, and providing support, we can protect young people.”
The Missouri Gaming Association awards one $2,500 scholarships and three $1,500 scholarships, jointly issued to the winners and the accredited institutions of higher education they select. The association has awarded $204,000 in Project 21 scholarships to date.
ABOUT MISSOURI GAMING ASSOCIATIONThe Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry. Founded in 1994, the Missouri Gaming Association works to promote responsible gaming and increase awareness of the economic benefits of casinos in Missouri. The MGA and its casino company members sponsor year-round responsible gaming programs including the 1-888-BETSOFF crisis line and referral service, Project 21 scholarship competition, and Responsible Gaming Awareness Week. For more information, visit www.missouricasinos.org.