16th District State Senator Joseph Bellino has introduced a bill aimed at educating teenagers about the risks of gambling.
The first-term Republican from Monroe said Senate Bill 54 would require the department of education to develop an instructional program on gambling addiction.
Bellino says the popularity of gambling apps has made it much easier for teens to develop gambling addictions.
He said data from the National Council on Problem Gambling indicates that between 60 and 80 percent of high school students say they gambled in the past year.
The group also said 4% to 6% of high schoolers are considered addicted to gambling.
Senate Bill 54 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee for consideration.
