Underage gambling is on the rise across the country. In fact, recent studies show that four to seven percent of teens have gambling problems.

Experts say the best way to prevent the teen gambling addiction is to stop it before it begins and now a new gambling prevention video made with the help of local teens aims to prevent kids from playing a high stakes game with their future.

It's a video with a message from kids to kids on the problems of gambling.

"Lots of people say smoking and drugs are all addictive and stuff but gambling is just as addictive if not more," said Angelo DiLiberto, an 8th grader in the video.

"They think its all fun and games but there is a different side to it that a lot of people don't see," said Katy Cheung, an 8th grader in the video.

The video comes at time when experts say the availability of online poker and the popularity video gambling puts young people at risk for developing a serious problem.

"Our survey shows that kids are starting to gamble at 9 years old and so it's really important that we get them early while they are still making good choices and they still have the opportunity to make healthy choices," said Julie Hynes, the Lane County Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator.

The video features eleven students from Eugene's Monroe Middle School along with others from around the state. The students use a myth-busting strategy to help peers understand the addictive behavior and the risks that go with it.

"It causes debt, it causes major family relationship problems and it even lead to such issues as depressions and unfortunately even suicide," said Hynes.

"I definitely think it's a problem for modern day teen all this peer pressure and advertisement and all that is all around you and stuff," said Cheung.

And many say they hope this student-spread message will make a difference.

"I hope they think wow, it's a serious problem and people just need to stop," said DiLiberto.

The eight minute video will be available to middle schools throughout the state beginning this fall.

The video was made at the request of Oregon Problem Gambling Services.

For additional information on gambling prevention, contact the Gambling Helpline at 1-877-2-STOP-NOW.