ARCHIVES

Prevention of Problem Gambling
June 1998, Vol I, Issue 2

*A Monthly Newsletter on Problem Gambling Prevention Information, Research, and Initiatives*

"No progress has ever been made against an epidemic by treating only the casualties."

PREVALENCE OF YOUTH GAMBLING

The CCPG conducted two statewide research studies (1989 and 1996) on the prevalence of teen gambling. In 1996, 3,886 students in five large and small, city and suburban schools were surveyed. Some of the major findings are summarized below:

87% of students indicate that they have gambled for money at some time.

32% of students under the age of 18 have gambled on the lottery - a much greater percentage of students has gambled in the lottery than in any other form of legalized gambling.

The rate of problem gambling among high school students (11.3%) significantly exceeds the rate for adults (5.4%).

Students who gamble excessively are more likely to abuse substances, including alcohol (18%) and other drugs (18.5%).

Among high school students, the percent who have ever gambled (87%) exceeds the percent who have ever used alcohol or other drugs (67%).

Students with a gambling problem are gambling on school grounds (14.4% daily) and absent from school in order to gamble (6.7% daily).

A history of problem gambling and/or substance abuse among family members is significantly related to problem gambling among students.

Problem gambling has significant negative affects on students' family, school, and community life.

Males and minority group members are at greater risk for problem gambling.

For additional information about this study or what you can do to help prevent youth and young adults from gambling, please contact CCPG.

There is also a new youth prevalence study available through the New York Council on Problem Gambling.

-- from The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling