Minister of Sports and Youth Dragoslav Šćekić and Acting Director of the Gaming Authority Spaasoje Papić agreed on comprehensive cooperation that will focus on preventing gambling addiction among young people, promoting sports activities as an alternative to risky behavior, and raising awareness about a responsible approach to gaming.
"This is an exceptional opportunity to join forces in the fight against the negative effects of gambling on young people. Through sport, we can offer healthy alternatives and build resilience to risky behavior. We look forward to working together with the Gaming Authority to create a safer environment for our youth," said Šćekić, as announced by the department he heads.
Papić said that cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and Youth opens up new opportunities for effective prevention: "Our goal is to develop innovative approaches through this partnership that will provide young people with the necessary information and skills to make responsible decisions related to games of chance."
The main points of the agreement, as announced, include the development of educational programs on the risks of gambling for sports clubs and schools, the organization of sports events that promote healthy lifestyle habits, the creation of media campaigns that highlight the positive aspects of playing sports, as well as the establishment of a system for early recognition of problematic behavior.
"Planned activities include holding workshops on risks and a responsible approach to gambling, organizing tournaments and competitions that promote fair play and team spirit, establishing counseling centers for young people and their families, as well as developing digital tools for self-assessment of addiction risks," it added.
The date of the official signing of the memorandum of cooperation will be determined at a later date, and both sides have expressed their willingness to immediately begin preparatory activities.
"With this partnership, the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Gaming Authority are laying the foundations for a long-term strategy to protect young people from the negative consequences of gambling, while promoting sport as a key factor in the development of a healthy society," the statement reads.
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