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The Prevention Platform – Gambling Awareness Month

The Prevention Platform
The Prevention Platform
The Prevention Platform - Gambling Awareness Month
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The Prevention Platform
The Prevention Platform
The Prevention Platform - Gambling Awareness Month
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In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports gambling, opening the door for states to begin legalizing it. Since then, 38 states and the District of Columbia have embraced sports betting in some form, making single game wagers accessible at retail locations and online. We’ve all seen the upbeat star studded commercials for sports betting and casino apps. Funny, fast paced and impossible to ignore. But behind the bright lights and big names lies a growing concern, one that more parents and caregivers are starting to recognize. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 10 to 15% of young people surveyed already struggle with significant gambling problems, and that number is only rising. So today we’re sitting down with Josh Urkel, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. And together we’ll explore the impact of youth gambling warning signs to watch for and practical ways to help prevent gambling related harm.

Pennsylvania’s Gambling Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365. Help is available by phone call, text message, or online chat. Call 1-800-GAMBLER Call the 24-hour helpline at 1-800-426-2537.

About Us

Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for youth in Pennsylvania who are experiencing abuse and homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures. The Youth Education Program is funded in part by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.

Meet the Hosts

Ashley Dallas

Ashley Dallas

Director of Prevention Services

Ashley Dallas is the Director of Prevention Services at Valley Youth House and oversees the Attendance Support Program, School-Based Counseling Program, including the trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Bounce Back programs, , Silk Lehigh Valley, Wellness Education at the Achieving Independence Center (AIC), and the Youth Education Program. Ashley has worked for Valley Youth House since 2011- starting as an intern and then moving into a mobile therapist and school-based counseling role before becoming a supervisor in 2020. She was recognized by Lehigh Valley Business with a “40 Under 40” award in 2022 and as a “Woman of Influence” in 2024. She is currently a part of the 2025 Women2Women Leadership Development cohort and loves connecting with other women leaders in the Lehigh Valley.  

Ashley has a masters degree in counseling and human services from Lehigh University and has completed a number of post-graduate courses. She is a graduate of Moravian University and spent the first 5 years of her professional career as an elementary school teacher. 

Ashley loves spending time with her two sons, Tanner and Evan, husband Christopher, and their mini labradoodle, Callie. Ashley can often be found on the sidelines of the baseball field cheering on Tanner and Evan’s teams. She is an avid reader (mysteries/ thrillers) and enjoys watching TV and mind-numbing scrolling on social media. She also loves to bake cupcakes, cook new recipes, walk outdoors, and camp. 

Sarah Pammer

Sarah Pammer

Communications Specialist

Sarah Pammer is the Communications Specialist at Valley Youth House in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she manages storytelling, media relations, and volunteer engagement to amplify the organization’s mission. Sarah also works closely with staff and clients to craft compelling success stories and produces social media content that highlights the agency’s impact, helping Valley Youth House reach and support more than 187,000 young people annually.

Sarah earned her Master’s degree in Communication Studies from East Stroudsburg University in 2023 and her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Public Relations from Kutztown University in 2017.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys creating paper collages, crocheting, watching movies, playing music, and spending time with her two cats, Mina and Lily.