For Professionals

Gambling is defined as the act of risking money or something of value on an activity with an uncertain outcome.  Although each state may have varying forms of legalized gambling, the basic principles of gambling remain the same:

1) some item of value paid to play,

2) the element of chance/risk of loss,

3) a prize/payout.

Based upon this, several activities could be considered gambling although social standards don’t necessarily consider them risky behaviors.  This is just one of many reasons that gambling is called the 'hidden addiction'.  Problematic gambling behavior is gambling to the extent that it causes emotional, family, legal, financial or other problems for the gambler and the people around the gambler.

For any problematic behavior, from alcohol use to gambling, the likelihood of addiction is exemplified by acceptability, accessibility and predisposed factors.  But gambling, unlike many risky behaviors, has significant social acceptance. This factor alone increases the likelihood of young people engaging without much reservation. Awareness campaigns should seek to increase awareness of the risks associated with gambling and educate about health gambling behavior which may include low risk methods and harm reduction approaches. In addition, counselors should always incorporate screening questions about gambling into health screenings.

Characteristics of Youth Gamblers:

• Typically Male
• Competitive
• Intelligent
• Risk Takers
• High Energy
• Good Students
• Intelligent
• Have part time jobs
• Popular
• Usually participates in athletics

Potential Risk Factors

• Often children of substance abusers and/or gamblers
• Emotional difficulties
• Stress
• Distorted expectations about winning
• Social pressure to gamble Attention deficits
• Impulsivity
• Illusion of control over outcomes
• Family history of addiction
• Other risky behavior

Messages for Minimizing Risks

• Always bet with predetermined amount of money willing to be lost.
• Never borrow money to gamble.
• Never gamble illegally.
• Know your personal risk factors.
• Know where to get help.
• Be willing to help others.

4 Question Screening for Risky Gambling Behavior:

• Have you ever tried to stop or cut back on how much or how often you gamble?
• Have you ever thought that you might have a gambling problem or been told that you might?
• Have you ever been untruthful about the extent of your gambling or hid it from others?
• Have you ever borrowed money in order to gamble or cover lost money?

Downloads

• Self Test for Teens
• Educators Sheet
• Parents Sheet