Youth & Gambling
Kids are exposed to gambling every day. All they have to do is turn on the TV to see poker tournaments, download a mobile app, or walk into a mini-mart to see people buying lottery tickets. Even churches and schools often use gambling for fundraising. Gambling is everywhere. Teenagers are at an increased risk of gambling and developing a problem, therefore, education and prevention are essential.
Why should we be concerned about teen gambling?
2019 Oregon Adolescent Problem Gambling Fact Sheet
- About 1 in 4 teens gamble in a typical month
- Teens who gamble have higher rates of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use, as well as suicidal ideation, when compared to non-gambling teens
- Gambling opportunities are increasingly widespread, and are available on the internet, on mobile apps, and in new lottery games
- Many people experiencing a gambling disorder report having started gambling as a teenager
- About 2.2% of Oregon teens struggle with problem gambling or gambling disorder
- Youth can hide gambling problems well, as there aren't any outward physical signs, such as those associated with drinking or taking drugs
Oregon Council on Problem Gambling, 2018
Teens experiencing problem gambling have higher rates of:
- Family and peer relationship problems, such as withdrawal and behavior issues
- Alcohol, cigarette, and drug use
- Sexual behavior
- Depression, suicidal thoughts, and attempts at suicide
- Legal and financial troubles
- Dissociate, "escape" behaviors
- Problems in school, including lower grades, truancy, and behavior issues
Educator and Parent Resources
Problem gambling prevention efforts are meant to supplement current classroom activities, not to add more work! Here are some resources for parents and teachers to prevent youth gambling:
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Additional Information: Oregon Problem Gambling Services: Youth and Gambling
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Guest Speakers:
- A Marion County Health Educator provides an interactive, one or multi-day presentation to students about youth gambling prevention
- A Marion County Health Educator provides a specialized presentation to educators, administrators, and parent groups
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Art Contest: The Oregon Problem Gambling Art Contest is a statewide competition between middle school students put on every March. Middle school health and art classes submit student artwork. Twelve winners are selected statewide to be featured in the Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Calendar.
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Curriculum: Problem gambling components that "plug-in" to existing substance abuse prevention curriculum
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Technical Assistance: Evidence-based educational resources and technical assistance
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Additional Resources: Contact the Marion County Prevention Team at MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us
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Video for Youth: "Teen Gambling: It's A Risky Deal," is a nine-minute video geared toward middle school students, featuring a "Mythbusters" theme. Teens will learn myths and facts about gambling, that gambling is not free of risk, how to recognize problem gambling, and how to get help. Watch the video below:
Treatment
