EUTAW – Police here are sending a message to teenagers: gambling will get you arrested.

Twelve juveniles ranging in age from 13 to 16 were arrested in two separate craps games Friday and Saturday, said Police Chief Reginald Spencer.

The incidents were not connected and Spencer said that it was just coincidence the arrests came so closely together.

“We really haven’t had a problem, but we’re trying to send a message that we’re not going to tolerate that kind of activity,” he said.

The 12 youth, all males, were arrested and released to their parents. They are awaiting adjudication in the county’s youth court, Spencer said.

“It’s simple gambling, but the information goes to juvenile court,” he said.

While underage gambling may become a problem, Spencer said his department hasn’t launched a specific outreach program.

“The major message we deliver at the schools is about underage drinking and driving. That’s a major priority,” he said.