El Ministerio de Educación del Chaco and Lotería Chaqueña launched the “Juguemos Responsablemente” program to address online gambling and betting among secondary school students during the current academic year, according to provincial announcements. The initiative marks the first time provincial state agencies have coordinated an educational program on digital betting within schools.
Pilot Implementation in Resistencia
The program begins as a pilot project in secondary schools located in Resistencia, targeting a trend that affects adolescents and their families. Education Minister Sofía Naidenoff and Lotería Chaqueña President Lucas Apud Masin signed the agreement to establish the workshops. Naidenoff stated that the initiative aims to provide students with tools to understand risks and make responsible decisions, while emphasizing the need to involve families and responsible adults in prevention efforts, according to official reports.
Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking Objectives
The workshops focus on fostering critical thinking regarding technology use and digital gaming. According to Lotería Chaqueña, the curriculum aims to raise awareness about proper technology use, examine the pros and cons of digital betting, build decision-making skills, encourage collaborative learning, and produce educational materials on responsible gaming. Lucas Apud Masin noted that the program fulfills current regulatory requirements while training students on the realities of digital gambling.
Gabriela Galarza, vocal at Lotería Chaqueña, stated that the partnership forms part of a broader state policy to equip youth for digital challenges. “The kids are exposed to different platforms and opportunities. It’s up to us to provide them with the best tools so they can make informed decisions with vision and, above all, with the freedom that knowledge gives them,” Galarza said.
School-Based Prevention and Support
Lara Calabroni, coordinator of the Responsible Gaming Area at Lotería Chaqueña, oversees the workshop framework deployed in educational institutions. Calabroni explained that the sessions provide students with practical guidance on technology use and gambling relationships, alongside information to help students identify and prevent problem behaviors. Isabel Sanchuk, subsecretary of Education, also attended the launch meeting as the provincial government works to build safety frameworks within classrooms.
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