JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Gaming Association, the statewide professional association of the Missouri casino industry, is inviting high school seniors to enter the 30th annual Project 21 scholarship competition. One $2,500 first prize scholarship and three $1,500 second prize scholarships will be awarded. The Project 21 scholarship program encourages students to learn and educate their peers about the illegality, dangers and consequences of underage gambling.
The time frame for submitting Project 21 scholarship entries to the Missouri Gaming Association was moved up last year with a new deadline of February 1. The competition is open to all Missouri high school seniors planning to attend an institution of higher education in the United States within four years of graduation. The scholarship application and guidelines are available for download at www.missouricasinos.org.
Students must write and publish an original essay or article in the school newspaper, or create a poster or video. The article, poster or video must focus on the issues and ramifications of underage gambling. Entries must be published or displayed at the student’s high school for at least one full week between November 1, 2026 and January 15, 2027. Entries will be judged for originality, content, style and educational value.
“We want students to know it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to gamble in a Missouri casino,” said Mike Winter, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Association. “We also want them to understand the dangers and consequences when youth participate in other types of underage gambling.”
Perspectives from last year’s winners:
“Underage gambling in Missouri is not just a legal issue, but also an accessibility and exposure issue. By raising awareness, enforcing age restrictions, and providing support, we can protect young people” said the 2026 first-place winner, Sophia Littleton.
“Underage gambling isn’t just a bad habit, it’s something that can follow someone for years, affecting their money, their relationships, and even the safety of the people around them. The earlier people recognize these dangers, the better chance they have at protecting their future and avoiding the consequences that so many others have had to face,” said 2026 winner, Sadie Hutsell.
All Missouri high school seniors, including those whose parents are casino employees, are eligible for the Project 21 scholarships, provided their parent is not a Missouri Gaming Association officer or a Project 21 Executive Committee member. High school seniors employed part-time (less than 32 hours per week) by a Missouri casino also are eligible.
The Project 21 scholarship application is available for download at www.missouricasinos.org or by calling (573) 634-4001. Written requests for applications can be sent to PO Box 305, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Winners will be announced by February 28, 2027 and scholarships will be awarded by May 15, 2027.
ABOUT MISSOURI GAMING ASSOCIATION (MGA)
The Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry. Founded in 1993, the Missouri Gaming Association works to promote responsible gaming and increase awareness of the economic benefits of casinos in Missouri. The MGA and its casino company members sponsor year-round responsible gaming programs including the 1-888-BETSOFF crisis line and referral service, Project 21 scholarship competition, and Responsible Gaming Awareness Week. For more information, visit www.missouricasinos.org.
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