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Overview
Gambling is an illegal activity for individuals below the ages of 18 and 19, depending on the type of activity and region. However, youth often find ways to access casinos, electronic gambling machines, and lottery products. Gambling can also be self-organized such as card games, dice, and sports pools. Youth are two to four times more likely to develop gambling problems than adults.
Key Points
Gambling is appealing to youth as it provides high levels of entertainment and excitement. School is a major environment where children and youth can gamble. Recently, poker and online gambling have become the preferred gambling activity amongst this demographic. Online gambling provides convenience, anonymity, an alternative reality, and immediate gratification. Parents can play a major role in limiting gambling opportunities. The earlier children are exposed to gambling, the more risk they have of developing a problem.
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References
Shead, N. W., Derevensky, J. L., & Gupta, R. (2010). Risk and protective factors associated with youth problem gambling. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 22(1), 39.
Derevensky, J. L., & Gupta, R. (2000). Youth gambling: A clinical and research perspective. Journal of Gambling Issues.
Temcheff, C. E., St-Pierre, R. A., & Derevensky, J. L. (2013). Gambling among teens, college students and youth. The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Disordered Gambling, 306-326.