Youth Gambling: A Safe Bet?

1
Youth GamblingA Safe Bet?
2
Definition of Gambling
To risk money or something of value on the
outcome of an unpredictable event or contest.
3
Oregon Youth Gambling

• Oregon, 1998 (Carlson Moore)
• Two in three (66) Oregon teens gamble at least
  once a year
• Younger ages significantly more likely to report
  gambling in grade school
• Lane County, 2003-2004 (Hynes)
• Surveys (not a scientific study)
• Four in five (80) students report having gambled
• Average age of first wager nine years old

4
Messages
5
(No Transcript)
6
(No Transcript)
7
(No Transcript)
8
A Host of Gambling Trends

• Availability
• Accessibility
• Acceptability
• Age

9
Common Types of Gambling Among Teens
Source Carlson Moore, 1998
10
So What?

• The earlier people begin gambling, the more
  likely they are to experience problems from
  gambling.
• National Academy of Sciences, 2001

11
PROBLEM GAMBLING
Gambling behavior which causes disruptions in
any major area of life psychological, physical,
social or vocational" (National Council on
Problem Gambling)
PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING
A chronic disorder that results in the loss of
control over gambling (DSM-IV)
12
Gambling Severity Among Oregon Teens
Source Carlson Moore, 1998
13
Signs that May Point to a Gambling Problem
Criminal activity Theft/Robbery Embezzlement Dru
g dealing Shoplifting
Tardiness Truancy Falling grades Stealing Mood
swings
Secrecy/withdrawal Unexplained debts/cash Missing
money Increased anxiety Substance use
BUT, youth problem gambling is often easily
hidden.
Adapted from Ohio Lottery Commission
14
Family Effects

• Abuse and neglect
• Higher rates of pathological gambling
• Higher levels of use than their peers for
• Tobacco
• Alcohol use
• drug use
• overeating

15
Problem or Not? Telling the Difference
Frequent, or spends more time gambling.
Occasional gambler.
Plays with that is needed or borrowed.
Sticks to limits of money to play with.
Expects to win keeps playing to win back losses.
Hopes to win but expects to lose.
Is revolved around gambling.
Can take it or leave it.
16
Help is Available!

• 1-877-2-STOP-NOW
• Help Line, available 24 hrs, every day
• Treatment is free for
• Gamblers
• Family and friends
• It works!

17
What We Can Do Together

• In schools
• Increase prevention efforts
• Review policies
• At home
• Teach risks and consequences
• Model responsible choices
• In our community
• Encourage communication
• Know early warning signs
• Have resources available for help

Lane County G.A.P.P.
18
FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Your Name Here
• Your Phone Here
• Your Email Here