Gambling and YOUTH: Youth Gambling Prevention

Connecticut youth are growing up in a society where legalized gambling is a socially acceptable, widely promoted, and highly visible recreational activity. In this context, it is not surprising that many young people in Connecticut under the age of 18 are gambling.

Young people need to understand what gambling is, and they need to be educated to the consequences of gambling. Once they reach the legal age, they should be clear that choosing not to gamble is a legitimate lifestyle choice. If at this point they choose to gamble, they need to understand that gambling is not a risk-free activity and practicing responsible behavior is essential.

Gambling is often looked at as a harmless activity. “At least my child isn’t drinking or doing other drugs” is a remark heard quite often when talking about gambling and young people. The truth is that while the person is not ingesting a possibly lethal substance, a gambling addiction can be just as devastating to the problem gambler, family, friends and the community. The possible consequences reach far beyond mounting debt. Other effects of problem gambling can include:

	Dropping out of school
	Isolation from family and friends
	Depression
	Suicide

Research has shown that just as with other addictions, problem gambling has “risk factors” that can increase a person’s susceptibility to an addiction. Many of the problem gambling studies conducted with young people and problem gambling show that younger individuals are more at risk than adults of developing a gambling problem. Risk factors can include:

	An early “big win”
	Family history of problem gambling, abuse/trauma or substance abuse
	Loneliness or boredom
	Wanting to “fit in” or peer pressure
	Low self-esteem
	Poor coping skills
	A lack of identity and purpose in life

What can Adults do to decrease
the risk of problem gambling?

	Raise awareness among other adults who care about youth by discussing the risks associated with gambling
	Encourage schools and other organizations involved with youth to distribute information on the risks associated with gambling
	Form a collaborative network, comprised of parents, teachers, coaches, clergy and others who serve as role models for youth in school and communities, to raise awareness and support healthy behaviors in order to lower the risk of problem gambling in youth

What can Schools do to decrease
the risk of problem gambling?

	Include gambling awareness information in curricula
	Provide training through professional development programs for teachers and administrators
	Train student assistance teams and school mental health personnel to assess for problem gambling and refer students to appropriate treatment resources
	Review or establish a school policy on gambling and promote enforcement of the policy

What can Parents do to decrease
the risk of problem gambling?

	Examine their own attitudes about gambling and be responsible role models
	Learn the facts about gambling: age restrictions, types of gambling and gambling terminology
	Know the warning signs of problem gambling and be alert to changes in behavior that might indicate a problem
	Talk to their children about the risks associated with gambling
	Not give up their power of positive influence. Young people who engage in the least risky behaviors cite their parents as the most significant influence, while those who engage in the most risky behaviors site their peers