DaytonDailyNews.com

With the power of the Internet, it's never been easier to acquire a gambling addiction.

This worries Art Schlichter, the former Ohio State and NFL quarterback who spent 10 years in prison for crimes related to his compulsive gambling. He wants to save others from going down that path.

Of the talk he'll give Sunday evening to a youth group at Centerville United Methodist Church, Schlichter said, "The main focus will be on the strength I receive from God. That's kind of a basic explanation of it. I faced a lot of adversity and tough times, and yet I'm OK today. I'm not perfect, but I'm doing OK. I want to get out and tell my story as much as I can."

ESPN wants to hear it. A crew is expected at the church. Doors open at 5:30. There's no admission charge, but a "free-will offering" is encouraged and will benefit Gambling Prevention Awareness, a nonprofit organization founded and directed by Schlichter.

"I went through wavering times when I was on the brink of insanity due to the course of this," Schlichter said of his addiction. "It's an uphill battle. I hurt my kids, my family, my friends, my fans. It's hard to rebuild that. It takes time."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or

smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Art Schlichter speech

Where: Centerville United Methodist Church, 63 E. Franklin St.

When: Sunday, doors open at 5:30 p.m.; opening prayer at 6

Admission: Free (free-will offerings encouraged)

Theme: "Finding My Way"

More info: (937) 433-0880