Youth gambling addiction is growing.
The statistics are
alarming. A survey of adolescents found that more than 80 percent of those
between 12 and 17 say they have gambled in the last 12 months. More than 35
percent say they gamble at least once a week. Clearly, gambling addiction
is not just an adult problem.
Gambling can begin very early.
Young people begin gambling
for purely innocent reasons, often at a very early age and with the endorsement
of their parents and family. Afternoon poker games, sports betting and participation
in sweepstakes, 50-50 drawings and casino nights provide a “stamp of
approval.” Like with alcohol and drugs, young people see people they
respect engaged in these activities and deem them to be acceptable. When an
opportunity to gamble presents itself, they are often more open and accepting
of it.
How and where young people gamble.
Most legal gambling is
illegal for those under the age of 18. But finding adults to help them gamble,
or finding others willing to break the law, is not difficult for the problem
gambler. Adults buy lottery tickets for young people for the promise of “a
piece of the winnings.” Groups of young people bet on the outcome of
major sports events, and even school sports. Card games for money can take
place almost anywhere. Bookies don’t ask for identification or report
the winnings of their clients.
The impact of gambling addiction.
As with adults, youth gambling
addiction can negatively impact every aspect of life, from learning and school
performance, to mental and physical health. It can lead to criminal and other
anti-social behavior. Studies have found that some young problem gamblers
are also fighting alcohol and drug addictions.
Recognizing the young problem gambler.
As with any addictive behavior, there are often clear symptoms of
a developing problem. Individually, these symptoms may not indicate a gambling
problem. If you suspect a problem, a professional assessment is recommended.
- Unexplained need for money
- Money or possessions missing from the home
- Unexplained charges on credit card bills
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Missing school or classes
- Frequent anxiety, depression or mood swings
- Dropping of outside activities and interests
- Excessive watching of TV sports
- Undue upset at the outcome of a sports match
- Late night calls
- Sudden drops in grades
- Interest in sports teams with no previous allegiance
- Calling 900 numbers for sports scores and point spreads
- Displays of unexplained wealth
Getting help from IIAR.
Counseling and treatment services
are available for young problem gamblers. For information or to set up a
confidential assessment, call Coleen
Moore,
MA, LCPC, CADC, CCGC, MISA II, Marketing and Admissions Manager, at 309-691-1004
or 1-800-522-3784.
Get a glimpse into our interactive
CD-ROM.
Watch the CD-ROM Intro
Preview components of the CD-ROM
(both require the Flash
plug-in).
The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery has centers at the following locations: