March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Sports’ gambling is now legal, and it’s important to start with the truth. Kids need to understand facts from rumor, as well as minimum age limits and the potential consequences for underage illegal gambling. Even though kids under 18 are prohibited from gambling, they will still find creative ways to bet, such as online gambling, which is not fully regulated and kids will find ways to falsify their age. 

In fact, did you know 55 percent of Tioga County youth, ages 14 to 18, have gambled a few times or more in the past year? Of those who gambled, 16 percent reported betting on sports for money, 14 percent are at risk for problem gambling, 11 percent gambled twice a week or more, and 6.5 percent already struggle with problem gambling. 

Legal gambling has brought gambling out from the shadows, and many kids witness their parents openly place bets and immediately assume that gambling is a safe way to make money. Like with alcohol and drugs, children see people they respect engaged in these activities and think it is acceptable. Families where the parents gamble are twice as likely to have an at-risk adolescent gambler and four times as likely to have an adolescent person with a gambling problem.

So what? Youth gambling addiction is growing. Kids who gamble are three times as likely to get in trouble with the police, 50 percent are more likely to drink alcohol and are three times more likely to use illegal drugs. Clearly, gambling addiction is not just an adult problem. 

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 substance use issues.

What can you do about it? Remember that, whatever it is we are doing, kids watch what we do. Parental gambling is a major risk factor for youth problem gambling because children are more likely to gamble if they see adults gambling. So, make sure what you’re doing is modeling healthy behavior. 

An important talking point with kids is that although some things are legal, they aren’t always safe and it’s not something that is a “healthy alternative” to alcohol or drug use. Another important talking point with kids is that although gambling looks like just fun, it can turn very serious quickly. Remind kids that while it seems like nothing betting on an NCAA basketball bracket, most gambling addicts start off with simple, fun betting just like the NCAA tournament. 

As gambling becomes more mainstream, adults will need to help steer the conversation so that kids become fully aware of the potential dangers associated with gambling. One conversation does not do the trick. Bring it up in casual conversations and keep talking. 

For more information about problem gambling, alcohol, or other drug use, call CASA-Trinity at (607) 223-4066 or find them on Facebook.