What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Youth Gambling in Oregon

Betting something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome

Something of value can be money, time, emotion, etc.

Gambling is everywhere This is the first generation to grow up with gambling as the norm and seen as harmless fun

TV

school

church

parents

….where’s the balance?

• Preference for new, exciting,

low effort activities

• Minimal consideration of

negative consequences

• More risky, impulsive

all of which can play intogambling problems

Adolescent Brains Are A Work In Progress

…that’s 1 per classroom, yet it’s not addressed in schools

Ever gambled: 63%At risk: 4.6%Problem: 1.3%

1100-6300 adolescents with severe gambling related difficulties (based on SOGS-RA)

Free on internetCardsGames of skill

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Total CardGames

Sports FreeInternet

Gamesof Skil l

Other LotteryGames

VideoPoker

Internet Casino

Boys Girls

More common in:Family income below medianSingle parent householdMaleStarted gambling before 8th gradeCards and sports bettorsPlay sports for their schoolsFamily members gambleGamble with friends/acquaintances

significant numbers of Oregon adolescents gamble

small but significant proportion of Oregon adolescents experience severe difficulties

widely accepted by adolescents and their families

data indicate need to refocus our efforts

Alternative high schoolsSchool counselorsAt risk youth programsYouth detention facilitiesAdolescent addiction treatmentSchool sports

IllegalAvailable 24/7Offers accelerated rate of play; distorts perceptions of real money“Practice” sites lure players via higher payoffsNew survey: # 1 gambling

activity among Oregon kids is playing for free online

casino card games = 30 thirty hands per houronline poker = 60-80 hands per hour so more can be lost fasterMakers of video games are also makers of video slots

Graphs again show correlation between gambling and other risky behaviors

delinquency

sexualbehavior

smoking

druguse

gambling

ProblemBehaviors

SpeakersSpeakersVideosVideosHandoutsHandoutsPosters and brochuresPosters and brochures

Problem Gambling Help Line:Free and confidential; staffed by professional counselors

Phone: 1 (877) MY LIMIT

Online: 1877mylimit.org (chat, IM, email)