Youth
Gambling
Gambling is any behavior
that involves the risking of money or valuables on the
outcome of a game, contest, or other event that is
partially or totally dependent on chance. For most
people, gambling is something they do occasionally as a
form of recreation. They play Bingo, buy a lottery
ticket, bet a few dollars on a sporting event, or drop a
loony into a machine. When the draw or the game is over,
they move on to other non-gambling activities. For some
people though, gambling becomes a problem. Gambling
activity is on the rise in our province. Gambling among
youth is also gaining increased attention. The main
gambling activities our youth are involved in include;
bingo, playing cards for money, sports betting, and
playing lotteries. Problem gamblers are defined as
individuals who suffer a loss of control over their
gambling behavior. Teen problem gambling behavior
results in negative consequences including: school and
family problems, and peer relationship, legal and money
troubles.
Gambling can begin very early
Young people begin gambling for purely innocent reasons,
often at a very early age and with the endorsement of
their parents and family. Afternoon poker games, sports
betting and participation in sweepstakes, 50-50 drawings
and casino nights provide a “stamp of approval.” Like
with alcohol and drugs, young people see people they
respect engaged in these activities and deem them to be
acceptable. When an opportunity to gamble presents
itself, they are often more open and accepting of it.
Most legal gambling is illegal for those under the age
of 18. But finding adults to help them gamble, or
finding others willing to break the law, is not
difficult for the problem gambler. Adults buy lottery
tickets for young people for the promise of “a piece of
the winnings.” Groups of young people bet on the outcome
of major sports events, and even school sports. Card
games for money can take place almost anywhere. Bookies
don’t ask for identification or report the winnings of
their clients.
The impact of gambling addiction
As with adults,
youth gambling addiction can negatively impact every
aspect of life, from learning and school performance, to
mental and physical health. It can lead to criminal and
other anti-social behavior. Studies have found that some
young problem gamblers are also fighting alcohol and
drug addictions. As with any addictive behavior, there
are often clear symptoms of a developing problem.
Individually, these symptoms may not indicate a gambling
problem. If you suspect a problem, a professional
assessment is recommended.
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