Empowering Washington youth to spot the traps of in-game gambling

Online gambling is illegal in Washington, yet loopholes allow it to persist, and
gambling-like features in popular games are driving a rise in youth gambling
behaviors. To address this growing risk, the Washington Health Care Authority
recently partnered with Quinn Thomas to create a youth gambling prevention and
awareness campaign that helps young people understand the difference
between gaming and gambling. We developed a personality-driven mascot, Brian the Brain, to communicate a complex topic in a trustworthy, relatable way that cuts through teens’ resistance to traditional prevention messaging. Through a cohesive brand identity, website, and promotional campaign, Quinn Thomas equipped Brian to empower youth to recognize–and push back against–gambling hidden within their everyday gaming experiences.