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Youth gambling: Some criticalissues and a cause for concern
Jeffrey L. Derevensky, Ph.D.International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and
High-Risk Behaviors
McGill University
Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse
August 2005www.youthgambling.com
Gambling as a high risk behavior…
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Alcoholabuse
SubstanceUse
TeenageSuicide
PathologicalGambling
Delinquency
FamilyEnvironment
Risk andProtectiveFactors
CommunityEnvironment
Risk andProtective
Factors
School-RelatedRisk and
ProtectiveFactors
PeerAssociation
Risk andProtectiveFactors
IndividualRisk and
ProtectiveFactors
SocietyRelated Risk
andProtective
Factors
Adapted from Understanding Substance Abuse Prevention: Toward 21st Century Primer on Effective Programs (P. Brounstein & J. Zweig, 1999). Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) & Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Dickson, Derevensky, & Gupta (2002).
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Societal influencesVideo game mania
Gambling fund-raisers in schools and church
Social acceptability
Increased venues
Internet gambling
Powerful advertisements
Lack of prevention and awareness
Parental modeling
Web TV
Attractive games`
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Developmental IssuesNature of adolescence (stage of risk-taking, experimentation, for acceptance by peers, group conformity, etc.)
First generation of youth exposed to ready access and varied gambling venues
Gambling has become the new rite of passage
Minimum legal age to place a bet varies across states, but many opportunities for 18-year-olds in Canada, United States, and around the world
Adolescence is a period of profound brain maturation.
It was believed that brain development was complete during childhoodThe maturation process is not complete until about age 24!!!
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Youth involvement in addictivebehaviors
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Involvement in addictive behaviors
Total use Weekly use
Gr 7 Gr 9 Gr 11 Gr 7 Gr 9 Gr 11Alcohol 36.8% 62.2% 79.8% 7.4% 14.0% 20.2%Drugs 3.5% 13.4% 26.5% 2.7% 2.1% 9.0%Cigarettes 18.2% 34.5% 48.4% 7.0% 16.1% 31.4%Gambling 79.1% 78.9% 83.4% 30.4% 37.4% 37.1%
Gupta & Derevensky, 1998
Regular* involvement in addictive behaviors
2.9%0.4%1.9%0.5%0.7%Hallucinogenic
10.2%10.5%11.1%3.0%2.0%Downers1.5%0.4%1.0%0.5%0.7%Uppers
30.1%22.3%14.9%11.0%2.6%Alcohol
23.8%22.1%15.4%10.6%4.0%Smoke
Gr.11Gr.10Gr.9Gr.8Gr.7
Wood, Gupta & Derevensky, 2004
68.8%59.0%58.9%49.2%56.2%Gambling* Once a week or more.
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Problem Severity Continuum
No gambling
At-Risk gambling
Social g
ambling
Problem gambling
Pathological gambling
Compulsive gambling
Habitual gambling
National Research Council (1999) conclusions
73% median value – youth gambled fairly recently
7.7-34.9% of youth problem gambling (broadly defined) 15.5% median value
1.2-11.2% more narrow definition of problem gambling 5.0% median value
Prevalence FindingsCanadian and US findings…
• 4-8% Level III, Probable pathological gamblers (NRC, 1999)
• 10-15% at-risk for problem gambling (Derevensky & Gupta, 2005; Shaffer & Hall, 1996; Winters, Stinchfield, & Fulkerson, 1991; Wynne, Smith, & Jacobs, 1996)
• 1.1 million youth 12-17 exhibit pathological gambling behavior (National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC), 1999)
• 5 million youth have serious gambling related problems (Jacobs, 2004)
• A problem not limited to the US & Canada but England (Fisher, Griffiths), Australia (Delfabbro), New Zealand (NZPGRC) & Spain (Becona)
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Youth gambling…….
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Reasons why children & adolescents gamble (N=1040)
0102030405060708090
100
grade 4 grade 6 grade 7 grade 8 grade 9 grade 11
enjoyment
excitement
money
social pressure
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Preferred activities…….
Percentage of children and adolescents engaging in various gambling activities
(N=1294)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
cards sportspools
sportslottery
lottery videopoker
bingo slots games ofskill
grade 4grade 6grade 7grade 8grade 9grade 11
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Participation in Gambling Activities
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
cardssports pools
sports lottery
lotteryvideogames
VLT'sbingo
slotsInternet ($)
Internet (no$)
OccasionallyRegularly
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
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International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
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Where do they gamble…….
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Reported gambling venues (N=1294)
0102030405060708090
100
grade 4 grade 6 grade 7 grade 8 grade 9 grade 11
home friend's houseschool
(Derevensky & Gupta, 1997; Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a)
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Locations in which adolescents report gambling(N=817)
0102030405060708090
100
friend's house arcades bars casinos
*Grades 7, 9, & 11
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With whom do they gamble…….
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International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
With whom adolescents gamble(N=817)
0102030405060708090
100
alone friends strangers parents siblings relatives total family
grade 7grade 9grade 11
(Gupta & Derevensky, 1998)
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Clinical Description of Pathological Gambling
Continuous involvement in and preoccupation with gambling (and an inability to stop) despite resulting adverse consequences
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Problem gamblers…….
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Gambling Problems
Problem gambling
Problem gambling rates
are low but vary considerably
Most youth gambling with
no clinical problems
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Percentage of adolescents engaging in various gambling activities* (N = 817)
0102030405060708090
100
cards sportspools
sportslottery
lottery videopoker
bingo slots gamesof skill
casino
no problem gamblersocial gamblergambler with some problemsprobable pathological gambler
* grades 7, 9, 11
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Percentage of adolescent gamblers regularly* engaging in various gambling activities
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
cards sports sportslottery
lottery videopoker
bingo slots gamesof skill
no problem gamblersocial gamblersome problem gamblerprobable pathological gambler
*(Once a week or more)
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International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Reported percentage of substance use (past year) according to gambling severity (N=817)
0102030405060708090
100
alcohol drugs smoking
no problem gambler
social gambler
gambler with some problems
probable pathological gambler
* grades 7, 9, & 11
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Percentage of respondents reporting additional problems according to gambling severity (N=817)
01020304050607080
non gambler gambler NP gambler SP PPG
sought help for addictionsuicidal ideationattempted suicide
(Gupta & Derevensky, 1998)* grades 7, 9, & 11
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Percentage of respondents who have legal actions pending against them (N=817)
05
101520253035404550
non gambler gambler NP gambler SP PPG
* grades 7, 9, & 11
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Possible Pathways for Risk and Substance Use (SU) and Gambling (Ga) Disorders
High Risk
SUDisorder
ConductDisorder
GaDisorder
SU/GaDisorders
SU/GaDisorders
Path 2
Path 1
Path 3
Winters & Anderson (2000)
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Behaviors of pathological gambling
Preoccupation with gambling (81.6%)
Lying to family or friends about gambling (78.9%)
Chasing losses (73.7%)
Spending school money on gambling activities? (68.4%)
Stolen money from home to gamble (57.9%)
Gambling to escape problems? (50.0%)
Increasing money spent on gambling (36.8%)
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Our current state of knowledge
Gambling is more popular amongst males than females (Derevensky, Gupta & Della Cioppa, 1996; Fisher, 1990; Govoni, Rupcich, & Frisch, 1996; Griffiths, 1989, 2000; 2002; Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a; Hardoon & Derevensky, 2002; Jacobs, 2000, in press; Ladouceur et al., 1994;NORC, 1999; NRC, 1999; Stinchfield Cassuto, Winters, & Latimer, 1997; Volberg, 19994, 1996, 1998; Wynne et al., 1996)
Adolescent pathological gamblers are greater risk-takers (Arnett; 1994; Breen & Zuckerman, 1996; Derevensky & Gupta, 1996; Nower, Gupta & Derevensky, in press; Powell, Hardoon, Derevensky, & Gupta 1999; Zuckerman, 1979, 1994; Zuckerman, Eysenck, & Eysenck, 1978)
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Adolescent prevalence rates of problem gambling are 2-4 times that of adults (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a; Jacobs, 2000; National Research Council, 1999; Shaffer & Hall, 1996)
Few adolescents fear getting caught gambling
Gambling has become a family activity 40-68% of youth gamble with family members (Gupta & Derevensky, 1997; Moore & Ohtsuka, 1997)
80-90% of parents report knowing their children gamble for money and do not object (Ladouceur, Vitaro, Cote & Dumont, 2001)
77% of adolescents reported their parents purchased lottery tickets for them (Derevensky & Gupta, 2002; Felsher, Derevensky & Gupta, in press)
Lottery draws remain a popular t.v. show in the UK (Griffiths & Wood, 2002)
Percentage of children & adolescents who fear being caught while gambling (N=1294)
44
2617
10 9.1 8.6
0102030405060708090
100
grade 4 grade 6 grade 7 grade 8 grade 9 grade 11(Gupta & Derevensky, 1998c)
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Adolescents with gambling problems have poor general coping skills (Gupta, 1999; Gupta & Derevensky, 2001; Marget, Gupta, & Derevensky, 1999; Nower, Gupta & Derevensky, 2000)
Adolescent problem gamblers report beginning gambling at earlier ages, approximately 10 years of age (Derevensky & Gupta, 2001; Gupta & Derevensky,1997a,1998a; Wynne et al., 1996)
Rapid movement from social gambler to problem gambler (Derevensky, 1999; Derevensky & Gupta, 1996, 1999; Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a, 2000)
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Adolescent problem gamblers have lower self-esteem compared with other adolescents (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998b, 2000)
Adolescent problem gamblers have higher rates of depression (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a,1998b, 2001; Marget, Gupta & Derevensky, 1999) and anxiety (Ste-Marie, Derevensky & Gupta, 2002)
Adolescent problem gamblers dissociate more frequently when gambling (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998b, 2001; Jacobs, Marsten & Singer, 1985)
Adolescents with gambling problems, ages 14-17, are at heightened risk for suicide ideation and suicide attempts (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a, Nower, Derevensky & Gupta, 1999, 2000)
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
While adolescents with gambling problems report having a support group, old friends are often replaced by gambling associates (Derevensky & Gupta, 2000; Gupta, 1999; Gupta & Derevensky, 2000)
Adolescent problem gamblers remain at increased risk for the development of an addiction or multiple addictions (Gupta & Derevensky,1998a,1998b, 2001; Kusyszyn, 1972; Lesieur & Klein, 1987; Winters & Anderson, 2000)
Adolescent problem gamblers score higher on excitability, extroversion, impulsive and anxiety & lower on conformity and self-discipline measures (Gupta & Derevensky,1997b,1998a, in press; Gupta, Ste-Marie & Derevensky, 2001; Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2003; Vitaro, Ferland, Jacques & Ladouceur, 1998)
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Problem and pathological gambling have been shown to have experiences more major life events and early childhood traumas (Derevensky & Gupta, 2002; Gupta & Derevensky, 2001; Ladouceur & Mireault, 1988; Lesieur & Klein, 1987; Wynne et al., 1996)
Gambling venues are easily accessible for underage youth (Felsher, Derevensky & Gupta, 2004; Griffiths, 1998)
Problem and pathological gambling has been shown to result in increased delinquency and crime, disruption of familial relationships and decreased academic performance (Derevensky & Gupta, 1999, Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a, 2000; Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2003; Ladouceur & Mireault, 1988; Lesieur & Klein, 1987; Wynne et al., 1996)
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Adolescent problem and pathological gamblers have been shown to score lower on a measure of resiliency in light of risk factors (Lussier, Derevensky & Gupta, 2004, in press)
Adolescents with gambling problems are more likely to have parents with either a gambling problem or some other form of mental health or substance abuse (Abbott et al., 2004;Derevensky, in press; Potenza et al., 2004)
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Adolescent problem and pathological gamblers display significant cognitive distortions compared to peers when gambling (Baboushkin, Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2001; Felsher, Derevensky & Gupta, 2004; Ladouceur & Walker, 1996; Toneatto, 1999)
Most adolescents view gambling as a socially acceptable and enjoyable form of entertainment, significantly less harmful than alcohol, drugs or cigarettes (Dickson, Derevensky & Gupta, 2002)
While adolescent problem gamblers are aware of the risks associated with gambling the immediacy of the rewards maintains their gambling behavior(Gillespie, Derevensky & Gupta, 2005)
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
ProblemGambling
Chase Losses
Truancy/Delinquency
Stealing Money
Lying about
Gambling
Preference for
Gambling
Gamble to Escape
Gambling Problems
Family/Peer
Problems
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Consequences of problem gambling
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Similarities between youth and adult problem gamblers
Pervasiveness of the problemSimilar reasons for reporting gamblingLying, stealing, cheatingIllusion of control (Irrational cognitions and thinking)Preoccupation with thoughts of gamblingHigh suicide ideation and attemptsChasing behaviorGambling as a means of escape/dissociationDepression/AnxietyMissing of work and/or schoolLoss of friends and changes in social support
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Profile of the adolescent problem gambler
Predominantly maleSignificant anxietyFamilial problems and poor peer relationshipsPreoccupation with gambling- reported inability to stop despite repeated effortsVLT, sports betting, cardsSerious financial difficultiesFailure in school and/or at workLying to family and friends
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Profile - continued
Friends usually have similar gambling problemsStealing from family, friends, stores, bank fraud, etc.Depression or “feeling dead inside”Gambling to escape and to feel betterGeneral lack of effective coping abilities and problem solving skillsConfused and conflicted about whether they really want to stop gamblingNeed for arousal or strong sensations
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Some concerns ……………...
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Interactive CD ROMS
Played on the computer
Appears as an arcade game
Provides an illusion of control
Increases the play value of a ticket
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Internet gambling…
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Internet Gambling
Provides a form of entertainmentEnhances levels of excitement and arousalProvides an opportunity to win moneyAllows individuals to lie about their ageAllows underage youth to gamble on prohibited activitiesReinforcement schedules are quick
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Internet GamblingOffers free games and trial (practice) sitesIncorporates video-game technologyReward and loyalty programsInitial deposit bonusesBettor’s InsuranceGraphics add to the excitement of the gamePerceived elements of skillConvenience and ease of access
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Internet Use
In Canada, 99% of youth age 9-17 (N=5,682), reported use of Internet, 79% have Internet access at home (Media Awareness Network, 2001)
40% of high school and 62% of elementary school students play games on the Internet (Media Awareness Network, 2001)
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Internet GamblingEarly study suggests that 25% of young people with serious gambling problems and 20% of those at-risk for a gambling problem have used ‘trial sites’ (Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2002)
In the U.S., 1.9% of college students (N= 10,765) (119 colleges) used Internet gambling a few times per month, .3% monthly, .3% weekly (LaBrie, Shaffer, Laplante & Wechsler, 2003)
High acceptance of Internet gamblingMisleading and provocative advertisementsLarge number of sports sitesCapitalize on use of celebrities
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Internet gambling: Some recent results(Derevensky, Byrne, & Gupta, 2004)
Frequency of Play on Internet Gambling Sites Without Moneyin the Past 12 Months by Gambling Severity
50.949.1Total
19.480.6n = 72Probable Pathological Gambler
25.674.4n = 129At-Risk Gambler
43.456.6n = 1278Social Gambler
66.133.9n = 726Non Gambler
Gambling Groups***
No(n = 1123)
Yes(n = 1082)
Internet Gambling Without Money1
N = 2205
1Percentage. ***p<.001.
Frequency of Play on Internet Gambling Sites With Moneyin the Past 12 Months by Gambling Severity
92.08.0Total
65.334.7n = 75Probable Pathological Gambler
78.421.6n = 139At-Risk Gambler
90.59.5n = 1333Social Gambler
1000n = 745Non Gambler
Gambling Groups***
No(n = 2109)
Yes(n = 183)
Internet Gambling With Money1
N = 2292
1Percentage. ***p<.001.
Average Amount of Money Spent on Internet Gambling in the Last 12 Months by Gambling Severity
10.71.31.386.6n = 75Probable PathologicalGambler
1.42.2096.5n = 139At-RiskGambler
0.10.40.698.9n = 1332SocialGambler
Gambling***Groups
> $500$100-$500$50-$100< $50
Amount of Money SpentN=2291
1Percentage.
Types of Internet Gambling Activities by Gambling Group
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Roulette Blackjack SportsBetting
Slotmachines
Cards Maj Jong StockMarket
Games
Freq
uenc
y %
Social Gambler
At-Risk Gambler
Probable Pathological
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
The poker craze…….
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International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Adolescent poker playing (Peterson, 2004)
Participants461 (205 male; 256 female) adolescents (age 14-18) in three different states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio)
Results
55.1% of adolescents reported playing poker67.8% play poker for money 82.4% watch poker on television
3% play daily 7.8% play 2-6 times a week 13.7% play once a week30.6% play once a month
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
82.4% watch poker on television
2.8% watch poker daily6.9% watch poker 2-6 times a week15.4% watch poker once a week 20.8% watch poker once a month
45% reported having never been informed of the potential dangers associated with gambling
2% of the participants reported they may have a problem with gambling
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International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Trends
Gambling as a primary form of entertainment
Gambling as the new rite of passage into adulthood
Gambling as a family activity
An increase in technologically based gambling
General perception that gambling is a relatively harmless activity
Gambling venues youth gambling
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Problem gambling is becoming a public policy & public health concern
Youth gambling remains a serious concern
Youth age 18-25 viewed as a high-risk group (Ladouceur, 2001)
Adult studies reveal 8-12 years from onset to pathological gambling; youth much quicker
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
28% of adults in counseling reported gambling regularly before age 18 (Australian Productivity Commission, 1999)
Issues surrounding youth gambling have remained largely ignored due to its lack of visibility
Need to make parents, educators, mental health professionals and legislators aware of the problem
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Growing acknowledgement that all problem gamblers are not the same and that there may be different pathways which require different treatment strategies (Blaszczynski& Nower, 2002; Nower & Blaszczynski, 2004)
Need for prevention programs (Derevensky, Gupta, Dickson & Deguire, 2004)
Current Prevention Efforts
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Brochure targeting adolescents
Educate teenagers on the risks involved in gambling
Challenge certain myths about gambling
Includes a self-evaluation questionnaire and centre’s coordinates to get help
Distributed upon request and schools visited
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International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Posters for schools“The true colors of gambling”
Self-evaluation questionnaire
Raise awareness about youth gambling problems in the schools
Distributed to every high-school in the province, upon request, and into schools visited.
“The true colors of gambling”
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Raise awareness and provide coordinates for assistance
Mouse pads for school psychologists and counsellors
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Screening cards for teenagers
Self-evaluation
Try to ensure students retain our coordinates
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• Identifying personal risk and attitudes toward gambling
• Distinguishing responsible gambling behaviors
• Illusion of control + personal risk characteristics = risk for the development of a gambling problem
• Superstitious behaviors• Knowing oneself and
establishing limits• Information on self-
screening and how to get help
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
• Importance of having a positive self-image
• Importance of friends as potential models
• Many people influence us but we are still responsible for our own decisions
• Peer pressure and how to resist by evaluating potential consequences
• Concerns re: transition to high school are addressed
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Two levels: elementary and secondarySelf-administered but supervised by teacher (teacher manual included)Information and educationRaising awareness in children and adolescents about the risks involved in gamblingInstructor’s manual
CD-ROM
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Workshops - schoolsElementary and High-School levelHighly Interactive ► Targeted intervention
Themes: Gambling definition, at-riskpeople, chance and independance ofevents, addiction, warning signs, help resources, stress management, coping, problem-solving skills, etcRequested by schools
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Drug addiction Gambling addiction
Can’t think of anything else but doing drugsNeed more and more to maintain a highWill do drugs at any costCan’t stop even if they want toLying and stealing in order to keep doing drugsDrugs help them escape life’s problems..allows them to forget.Consequences: failing grades, problems with friends and family, risk of ending up in a detention center or jail.
Can’t think of anything else but gambling Will gamble at any costNeed to gamble more and more $ to maintain a highCan’t stop even if they want toLying and stealing in order to keep gamblingGambling help them escape life’s problems..allows them to forget.Consequences: failing grades, problems with friends and family, risk of ending up in a detention center or jail.
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Other initiatives…
Presentations/ConferencesVideosBoard game Booths Editorials/Newsletter
Let’s talk preventionInternet
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Social Policy Implications
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Effective social policies should include…
…science-based prevention models…understanding of multiple pathways …effective treatment models (Best Practices)…enforcement of current statutes prohibiting underage gambling
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
…monitoring of games/advertising toward youth (licensed products e.g., Betty Boop, NASCAR, Treasure Tower)
…additional research examining the underlying risk and protective factors…longitudinal research…better instrumentation to assess severity of gambling problems
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Children are strongly influenced by advertisements. The industry needs to be responsible and reduce the glamorization of gambling
Just as there are advocates for responsible advertisement of alcohol and tobacco, we need monitoring of gambling advertisements
The need for responsible advertising
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International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Enforcement of laws
Need for stricter penalties and substantial fines for those who allow youth to have access to legalized gambling activities
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors
Gambling…..the silent addiction