Gambling Addiction Among Teens

According to the Institute for Research on Gambling Disorders, anywhere from 2 to 7 percent of adolescents have a gambling problem, compared to about 1 percent of adults. Natalie Bailey of Chicago’s Medill Reports writes that this could mean that an estimated 500,000 teens nationwide are caught in a gambling web.

While the extent of the problem has not changed much over the past 25 years, Chicago residents will soon see an increase of awareness and prevention of gambling addictions in schools.

Heidi Scuffhum, gambling grant coordinator for the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, has been bringing gambling addiction awareness to school children in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties since 2004. Now, the unique prevention and education program heads to Chicago schools.

“We do not say gambling is bad or wrong. We say it is supposed to be a form of entertainment in moderation,” she said.

Keith White, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, said that reaching kids in school is a good way to address a problem that doesn’t receive much attention.

“Very few kids show up for treatment. Many of them may be binging or experimenting, but there are very few resources available” for treatment, White said. “Kids and parents don’t see that the problem needs attention. They say ‘just stop’ in a way that they wouldn’t say if their child is addicted to meth.”

Scuffhum’s presentation describes what a teen gambler might be like. They are usually good at math, competitive, athletic, impulsive at times, charming and loving, risk takers, popular, sociable, philanthropic, and achievement-oriented.

“Gambling attracts all different kinds of people, not just people who are ‘bad’ or irresponsible,” Scuffhum said.

In fact, parents often view a gathering of teenagers to play poker as a good alternative to partying and drinking, a seemingly innocent activity. But it comes with risks, and the best prevention is awareness, Scuffhum said.

“If there isn’t a limit on how much they can bet, then they can end up owing a lot of money even in the basement of your house,” she said.

While parents might not think their child’s gambling is out of control, it might be an indication of another problem.

“Gambling is associated with all other risk-taking behavior that children might take part in such as risky sex and drinking, for instance. So it can be a warning sign of other problems,” White said.

Tags: gambling addiction, teens, treatment