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- Articles On Effects Of Gambling
- Gambling Effects On Social Life
- Social Effects Of Gambling
- The Effects Of Gambling
In addition to dramatically impacting depressive symptoms, pathological gambling has a direct effect on anxiety. Many pathological gamblers report increasing periods of tension before gambling that can only be relieved through gambling. Some report anticipatory anxiety that may be reported as either pleasurable, fearful, or unpleasant.
Table of Contents
What Gambling Addiction Is
Currently, Gambling addiction is a serious brain disease. It can affect how a person develops a fetish for various forms of gambling. In some cases, it is inseparable and often dangerous. Unfortunately, the addicts put gambling activities at the top of their priority list. They think about it all the time and fantasize what the next move will bring for them.
Such preoccupation may lead to catastrophic results. Understandably, this puts an enormous strain on many parts of their life. For example, their job, school performance, money status, and relationships.
Online Gambling Addiction
These days, online gambling is a new emerging form of addiction. Tragically, it has taken the lives of many individuals. Of course, this is particularly a dreadful situation. It is especially considering perennial access to the internet these days. To make things worse, a person does not have to leave a couch to start trying luck. Various websites provide such facilities and lure people into the abyss.
Synonyms: Compulsive or Pathological Gambling, Gambling Disorder.
Gambling Addiction Signs
Some gambling addiction signs are very much like other types of addiction. On the other hand, most of them are very specific:
- Keeping it a secret
- Money issues
- Inability to stop—The person who is a gambler is aware that their behavior is bad. However, they are unable to stop by themselves
- Irritability caused by family and friend when they express their concerns
- Anxiety when not gambling
- Depression
- Suicide thoughts and attempts
- Insomnia caused by depression
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Financial problems
- Relationship problems
- Problems at work
- Keep thinking about how to get money
- Compulsive thoughts and behavior related to gambling
- Withdrawal symptoms when not gambling: irritation, nervousness, depression
- Guilt
- Engaging in criminal activities
- Distancing from friends
- Borrowing money
- Chasing losses, keep trying to win back the money they lost
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Causes of Gambling Addiction
Some of the reasons why people gamble are:
- To get that adrenaline rush that comes with taking extreme risks.
- As a means of socializing with other people or just for the fun of it.
- For the challenge: some people enjoy being tasked with the objective of beating the house or to display their skill.
- As a means of escape from the drudgery of life or loneliness.
- To address specific financial problems. Sometimes, gambling seems like the last resort to tackle pressing financial issues.
Most individuals with a gambling addiction are young and middle-aged men. Often, gambling addiction starts with financial problems. The person struggling with money problems sees gambling as an opportunity. As a result, they think this will solve their financial problems.
Another cause of this terrible condition is the search for excitement. One gets this sensation of high, very much like taking drugs. Also, being a successful gambler brings its perks, such as social status and wealth.
At the same time, there might be other factors that can trigger gambling addiction. It might be mental health problems like bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD.
Personality traits may also be the cause of addiction. For example, some people are in constant search for excitement and thrill.
Recognizing The Signs Of Gambling Addiction
Unlike the other forms of addiction, it does not produce an immediate physical sign. For this reason, early detection may not be an easy task for their friends and family members. Recognizing it at an early stage takes a lot of effort. Watch for the following signs in the loved ones.
- Loss of a large amount of money that cannot be related to a specific situation.
- Asking for monetary help time and again.
- Previous or current diagnosis of other mental disorders. For example, anxiety and depression. In addition, a known history of a suicide attempt without an obvious cause. Therefore, this could be a strong indicator of the gambling problems.
- Recent money problems, strained relations, and sliding performance at college or office.
- Involvement in theft or other criminal activities to fund their gambling activities. In fact, it may result in a legal charge against them.
- Providing illogical reasons for their increasing need for money. Some may lie or attempt to hide their activities.
If the signs mentioned above are noticed, talk to them in a friendly manner. This way, one will be able to build a trustworthy environment where they may open up about their problems.
Is One Addicted To Gambling?
Gambling addiction is not just a single monolithic condition. There are many ranges of the spectrum. However, for someone to be said to be addicted to gambling, they must exhibit some certain traits, characteristics, and signs of gambling addiction. New members of Gambling Anonymous sessions are usually asked a series of 20 questions, and those that answer yes to 7 or more of these questions are generally considered to be gambling addicts or to have a gambling problem.
These questions take the form of the following:
- Does stress trigger the urge to gamble?
- Has gambling affected drive and aspirations?
- Has gambling affected personal life negatively?
- Has gambling ever affected wellbeing or that of dependents?
- Has one’s reputation been damaged as a result of gambling?
- Has one ever been tempted to steal or do something illegal to finance gambling?
- Has one ever borrowed money to gamble?
- Has one ever felt like gambling is a good way to celebrate?
- Has one ever felt remorseful after gambling?
- Has one ever gambled and lost to the point one had nothing to bet with anymore?
- Has one ever gambled as a sort of escape mechanism from the mundane life?
- Has one ever gambled for longer than initially planned?
- Has one ever gambled to win money to pay the bills or debts?
- Has one ever gambled while supposed to be at work?
- Has one ever lost sleep due to gambling?
- Has one ever set aside some money as money for gambling?
- Has one ever sold the belongings to gamble?
- Has one ever thought about the financial ruin the gambling may cause?
- When one loses, do they feel compelled to gamble again to win the losses back?
- When one wins, do they know when to quit or they keep gambling till lose again?
Effects Of Gambling Addiction
The effects of gambling addiction may range anywhere from a loss of money to suicide. Besides, they may ruin almost every aspect of life. For example, relationships, academic or office performance, self-image, self-esteem, behavior, and social responsibilities. Typically, the effects during the withdrawal period include certain conditions. They include strong urges, restlessness, and worsening of pre-existing mental disorders.
Suicide: For a few addicts, suicide may be the only way out. That way, they set themselves away from mounting loans and debts. In other cases, they may take such self-destructive step due to depression or a fear of legal charges.
Gambling addiction occurs in three phases
- The winning phase – continuing to gamble after winning because of the perception of a winning streak
- The losing phase – continuing to gamble after losing to earn back the money
- The desperation phase – taking irrational risks in hope for a big win that will offset all previous losses
In the winning phase, the gamblers usually win big and then start to have a skewed perception of their chances which emboldens them to continue gambling. This phase is exploited by gambling organizations as they often offer new gamblers very enticing odds of winning just to get them hooked.
In the losing phase, the gamblers start to lose money and lose so much that previous winnings along with other funds get depleted. The gamblers, however, continue to gamble, believing they will recapture the initial lucky break that won them so much at the beginning. However, this never happens except occasionally, and the gambler invariably goes back to losing.
The last phase, the desperation phase, is where time seems to be running out and the gamblers begins to take even more irrational risks hoping for a big win that will offset all the losses incurred thus far. By this time, the gamblers would have dragged people that are close to them into their vortex of financial loss, and finally, the gambler hits rock bottom.
Dealing With Gambling Addiction Problem
Addiction and habit are different. In fact, addiction is a dangerous disease. It needs treatment just like any other disease. One can expect a full recovery with the right treatment.
Moreover, using the following tips may help to make an early diagnosis of the problem:
- Give attention to the pattern, frequency, and progression of the typical signs. That way, one may be able to separate addiction from a lack of self-control. Also, it may point out certain problems with impulsive actions.
- Talk to them in a friendly manner so that they do not feel offended.
- Once a person confirms the problem, take them for a professional consultation. Then, addiction experts can suggest the way ahead.
- In the meantime, ask them to stay away from other friends with the same problem. Help them follow a healthy routine. It may include some exercise sessions, a balanced diet, and quality sleep.
- Stay close to them, listen to their problems, and comfort them. Meanwhile, tell them the success stories of other problems who are clean now.
Gambling Addiction Treatment Options
Articles On Effects Of Gambling
Gambling addiction treatment can take place via five approaches:
Therapy
It may be beneficial to opt for behavior- or cognitive behavioral therapy. Behavior therapy makes use of systemic exposure. This is to the behavior that needs to go away. Meanwhile, they teach the addict the necessary skills to control the urge to gamble.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy identifies unhealthy, illogical, and damaging beliefs. At the same time, they replace it with healthy and positive philosophies.
It is also advisable for the family to go for therapy, for help to deal with broken-down relationships.
Medication
Believe it or not, medication can help with a gambling problem. Medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers may help. For example, it can be problems rooted deeper than gambling. There may be others which go along with it, such as depression.
Usually, they use medications traditionally for treating substance abuse. As a result, narcotic antagonists may assist in treating gambling addiction.
Support groups
Usually, when treating any addiction, they will prescribe group therapy. This for recovering addicts to share their experiences. Also, they’ll know there are other people struggling with the same challenge. One can find these support groups at both in- and outpatient programs.
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov has added addiction-based and multimodal treatment. This is on top of Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic treatments as possible gambling addiction treatment.
Addiction-based and Multimodal treatment
This method of treatment is most common in inpatient and outpatient programs. The very first inpatient program for gambling addiction started in 1972. It was at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Brecksville, Ohio. Also, they based the approach of the gambling addiction treatment on the Al. Anon. programs.
The parallels with substance abuse programs incorporate:
- 12-Step programs and meetings
- Recovering gamblers as peer counselors
- The presentation as Gamblers Anonymous
- Education on preventing relapse
- How to avoid risky situations
- Identifying triggers
- Developing skills for dealing with cravings and urges
The reasoning behind this approach is that gambling addicts lack effective coping mechanisms. Therefore, to correct this they will learn a range of skills for use in different situations.
They see telling of one’s story, in the form of an autobiography as a rite of passage in the program. Also, addicts describe it as a turning point in their lives. Here, patients write an account of their gambling addiction. They will include how gambling has impacted on their lives. In this case, the patient accepts responsibility for their actions. They will describe how their actions and perceptions contributed to the addiction.
Family therapy is a comprehensive approach to gambling addiction treatment. As a result, they will see the larger context of the patient’s family life. Therefore, it brings the struggles each family member faces into the equation.
The addiction-based approach includes after-care planning, which includes:
- Ongoing individual/group therapy
- Budget and cash flow plan for financial restoration
- Establishing a support system
- Continuing involvement in Gamblers Anonymous
- Strategies for preventing relapse
- Plan for resolving legal issues
- Medication
Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic
Psychoanalysis is an attempt at understanding the underlying motivators. These are ones that govern a person’s unconscious processes.
These approaches are the most common form of treatment. However, they have not offered effective solutions for most people. As a result, they still experience some gambling addiction. Even when patients stop gambling, they fall into depression and relapse.
People have found effective reform in some cases. This is where masochism and narcissism, specifically, are present. The reasoning here is that gamblers don’t distinctively gamble for money. Of course, this is according to Freud. In fact, they rather engage in high-risk activities for the thrill of the experience. Some people, according to this theory, may in fact gamble to lose. As a result, they are fulfilling an underlying need for self-harm or lessening feelings of guilt.
Theoretical reasons for gambling include:
- Narcissism (denying feelings of ‘smallness’)
- Masochism (self-punishment)
- Early parental deprivation (finding love and approval in Fate or Luck)
- Defense against looming depression
- Defense against feelings of helplessness
- The veneration of tension and fear
- Feelings of omnipotence
- Shortcomings in self-regulation
At present, there is no consensus on the core motivators of gambling addiction. Also, the field has yet to provide comprehensive studies.
The Problem with Self-Proclaimed Abstinence from Gambling
Of course, it is good to self-proclaim abstinence from gambling. In fact, it is one of the best methods of overcoming a gambling addiction. The gamblers will make a promise to themselvesf. It is never to take part in any activities involving gambling, again.
Gambling Addiction Relapse
Gambling addiction relapse is a part of the overall addiction treatment program. It is not just an inability to tame the cravings. In fact, it is a dysfunctional response to a tempting situation. Typically, it occurs during the first few weeks after giving up an addiction. Then the risk decreases gradually. This is as the time of abstinence extends.
Duration Of Relapse
Usually, the time can range from 1 day to 2 weeks. Sometimes, it may last for more. As a matter of fact, longer the time, greater the loss of money.
What Are The Features Of Gambling Addiction Relapse?
Gambling addiction is a bit different from substance addiction. This is because it does not produce the typical physical signs of an addiction problem.
Similarly, its relapse may also be somewhat different. Note these features of gambling addiction relapse.
- The tendency to go back to the dangerous gambling activities may persist for years. This is after initial abstinence. It may occur in up to two-third of the patients during the first year.
- Most of them say their urges peak during the late evening.
- Also, more than half of them relapsed during leisure time. This strongly suggests engagement in activity could distract them from getting back.
- Nearly half of them report having a low mood and frustration just before a relapse. Some may use gambling as a form of fun.
What Are The Causes Of Gambling Addiction Relapse?
Any of the following factors could cause gambling addiction relapse:
- The hope of winning: Hope is a good thing, and it can also be bad when it’s false.
- A need for money
- Fight boredom
- Inability to control the urges or thoughts of a potential opportunity
- Escape from negative situations or low moods
- Socializing or fitting in
- In search of excitement or enjoyment
Most Common Forms Of Gambling
Gambling Effects On Social Life
- VLT: Video lottery terminal
- Casino games
- Instant scratch tickets
- Bingo
- Sports lottery tickets
- Slot machines
Social Effects Of Gambling
What Are The Triggers Of Gambling Addiction Relapse?
Broadly, they categorize the gambling addiction triggers into two types. They are:
- Internal factors: These are intangible. Quite often, they tend to differ highly from one person to another. In fact, individual personality traits determine these factors. They include gambling-related thoughts that verify its practice. The rewarding feelings that come from victory. For example, “I am lucky today.”
- External factors: One can control and prevent these more. They include trigger situations, time, and places.
Tips to Prevent Gambling Relapse
The major goals of any relapse prevention technique are to prevent:
- The first lapse. Hence extend the period of abstinence.
- Further events of lapses after the first lapse. They call them relapses.
Additionally, they also suggest ways to identify the triggers. Then change the response to them.
In any case, the ultimate aim is to prevent ongoing or repetitive relapse. This is even in the presence of one or more triggering factors.
Psychotherapy which they call Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown promising results. In this, the therapist teaches various coping skills. As a result, a person may be able to control the urges even in the midst of the potential triggers.
There are many studies which recommend CBT. They have found it effective in reducing relapse rates.
Furthermore, consider trying the following measures:
- Acknowledge that one has a problem. In fact, it is when a person can search for a meaningful approach to finding the solution.
- Stay away from the triggers. Focus on the time, situation, company, and mood during a relapse. Also, watch them just before it. If possible, avoid them completely.
- Distract the compulsive thoughts by engaging in other productive activities. Consider spending time with the loved ones. Similarly, join a gym or watch the favorite movie.
- Share the problem with the people one trusts. Take care not to select the wrong person for the purpose. It may do more harm than good.
- Seek treatment for any other underlying mental illness. For example, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.
- If the problem is worsening or causing significant problems, do not hold back. Seek professional help right away. Understand that addiction is not something a person can give up like a bad habit.
If there is someone with gambling addiction, one should talk about an addiction counselor. They can teach ways to deal with the cravings, prevent relapses. Finally, the addict will be on their way to a full recovery.
Looking for professional medical help for Gambling addiction? Get the best rehabs page here.
- https://medlineplus.gov/compulsivegambling.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230629/
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Abstract
Introduction
The recent growth of gambling problems among youth around the world is alarming. Researchers, clinicians, educators and the public have only begun to recognize the significance of this risky adolescent behaviour. With the continuous rise in gambling technology and the expansion of the gambling industry, more gambling opportunities exist today than ever before.
Method
The literature on gambling and youth was reviewed.
Results
Given the greater accessibility, availability, and promotion of gambling, more and more youth have become attracted to the perceived excitement, entertainment, and financial freedom associated with gambling. While Internet gambling is a recent phenomenon that remains to be explored, the potential for future problems among youth is high, especially among a generation of young people who have grown up with videogames, computers, and the Internet.
Conclusion
Our current knowledge and understanding of the seriousness of gambling problems, its magnitude, and its impact on the health and well-being of children and youth compels us to respond to these new forms of gambling in a timely and effective manner.
Résumé
L’accroissement des problèmes reliés au jeu chez les jeunes du monde entier est inquiétant. Les chercheurs, les cliniciens, les éducateurs et le public lui-même commencent à reconnaître le sérieux d’un tel comportement à risque avec le raffinement des techniques de jeu et le développement accéléré de cette industrie, il existe de plus en plus d’occasions de s’adonner au jeu. La literature sur la jeunesse et le jeu a été rééxaminée. Ainsi, à cause de l’augmentation des occasions et de la promotion du jeu, de plus en plus de jeunes sont attirés par l’excitation, l’aspect spectacle et le sentiment de pouvoir s’enrichir, attributs qu’ils accolent au plaisir du jeu. Bien que le jeu sur Internet soit un phénomène encore récent, le potentiel d’un nombre accru de problèmes chez les jeunes est élevé, particulièrement chez la jeune génération qui a grandi avec les jeux vidéo, les ordinateurs et l’Internet. La literature sur la jeunesse et le jeu a été rééxaminée. Nos connaissances actuelles et notre compréhension du sérieux des problèmes de jeu, leur fréquence ainsi que leur impact sur la santé et le bien-être des enfants et des adolescents nous forcent à trouver des réponses concrètes et efficaces à ces nouvelles formes de jeu.
INTRODUCTION
Today’s children and teens in North America are the first generation of youth to grow up in a society where a multiplicity of types of gambling exists, and gambling venues are not only widely available but also heavily advertised and promoted. Gambling, once considered to be associated with sin and vice is now generally perceived as a harmless adult entertainment and has become mainstream in our society. Although in Canada government regulated gambling is illegal for youth under the age of 18, a growing number of young people are gambling for recreation and entertainment (). With increased exposure to, and availability of regulated and unregulated forms of gambling, including the recent emergence of Internet gambling, more youth are succumbing to the temptation and pressure to engage in these activities (). There is a growing body of research suggesting that greater accessibility is related to increased gambling, increased money spent on gambling, and increased rates of problem gambling (Griffiths, 1995). Research in Canada, the U.S., and internationally suggests that approximately 80% of adolescents have participated in some form of gambling during their lifetime (see the review by the National Research Council, 1999 and meta-analysis by ).
Most alarming is evidence indicating that between 4–8% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 have a very serious gambling problem, while another 10–15% are at-risk for developing a gambling problem (Derevensky & Gupta, 2000; ; National Research Council, 1999). Further, while there are some methodological issues involved in the measurement of pathological gambling for youth, there are consistent reports that the prevalence rates of probable pathological gambling in youth (4–8%) are considerably higher than rates of pathological gambling in the general adult population (1–3%) (; National Research Council, 1999).
Pathological gambling can be described as a continuous or periodic loss of control over gambling and is highlighted by irrational thinking and erroneous cognitions, a preoccupation with gambling and with obtaining money to gamble, continuation with gambling despite adverse consequences, and an inability to stop gambling despite having the desire to do so (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Between 1984 and 1999 there was a significant increase in the proportion of youth who reported gambling within the past year as well as those who reported gambling-related problems (). Clearly, adolescents represent a particularly high-risk group and are vulnerable to the development of gambling problems (Derevensky & Gupta, 2000; National Research Council, 1999).
Research has demonstrated that problematic gambling among adolescents has been associated with a number of other mental health outcomes. From a clinical perspective, youth with gambling problems exhibit higher rates of depressive sympto-mology, increased risk of suicide ideation and attempts, higher anxiety (), as well as an increased risk of alcohol and substance abuse disorders (Hardoon & Derevensky, 2002; ). In addition, there are a multitude of negative behavioural, psychological, interpersonal, and academic problems associated with problem gambling. Among youth, problem gambling has been shown to result in increased delinquency and criminal behaviour, poor academic performance, higher rates of school truancy and dropout, and disrupted familial and peer relationships (Hardoon et al., 2002; Wynne, Smith, & Jacobs, 1996). Such negative outcomes have short- and long-term implications for the individual, for their friends and family, as well as for society at large (Derevensky, Gupta, Hardoon, Dickson, & Deguire, 2003). To date, few public awareness strategies and effective social policies have been initiated to address this growing public health concern.
Aided by technological advances in the gaming industry, new forms of gambling are continually appearing. Recent developments in the gambling world include such additions as on-line gambling, technologically advanced slot machines, electronic gambling machines, Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), interactive television games, and telephone wagering (). Internet gambling in particular allows players to participate in a number of casino-type games in the privacy of their own homes. Internet gambling falls under the grey area of person-to-person wagering under the Canadian Criminal Code, thus, owning and operating an on-line gambling company is currently illegal in Canada. As such, most Internet gambling websites are housed in off-shore operations (Kelley, Todosichuk, & Azmier, 2001). Nonetheless, Internet gambling appears to be an incredibly profitable market, with several governmental agencies becoming actively involved in their operation (e.g., Holland, New Zealand, Australia). Estimates are that this has become a multi-billion dollar business, with more than 400 web-based Internet sites currently operating.
The proliferation of on-line gambling sites poses a new problem for youth. While other sources of gambling are, for the most part, strictly regulated and prohibited for underage children, the Internet provides an accessible and largely anonymous route to an otherwise illegal activity for young people. Researchers have highlighted the ease with which gambling websites may be accessed by young people as well as the visually enticing aspects of Internet gambling (; ). The reasons most often cited by youth for engaging in gambling are for entertainment, excitement and the possibility of winning money (). These reasons are similarly important for Internet gambling, as the Internet has become a popular form of entertainment among youth.
Many adult Internet websites offer free games and free practice sites available to anyone with access to a computer. As well, some sites now appear to cater specifically to adolescents and young adults who have spent much of their life in an era of electronic video games and computers. Such sites offer a multitude of games including blackjack, roulette, slots, poker, and other casino games virtually identical to real life casinos while others also accept sports wagering. With new sites appearing daily, researchers suspect that the distinction between gambling and gaming may be blurred by the on-line gambling industry in order to maximize future profits. For example, many gaming sites offer rewards in the form of “tokens” where players can trade in a given amount of tokens for a prize. Each player begins with a certain amount of free tokens and each game involves an initial wager and payouts if the player is successful. When combined with these factors, youth who play regularly on these free practice sites are prime targets as future players. Internet casino sites also have reward and loyalty programs which may be enticing to youth. Such programs include the possibility of earning redeemable points through playing. For example, many sites offer high initial deposit bonuses, while others guarantee bonuses of up to $20 per month for returning players. Often, players who refer a friend are awarded bonuses as high as $50. Some sites even provide “Bettor’s Insurance” programs which returns 10% of net gaming losses (Gambling Online, 2003). Casino games are interspersed with other, more innocuous games, each following the same basic theme. Graphics are often colourful and realistic sounds and images add to the excitement of the game. Many games also include multiple players so individuals can compete with each other on-line. Even when playing on these practice sites without money, Internet gambling is perceived as being engaging, exciting and exhilarating.
The Effects Of Gambling
Off-shore gaming sites remain predominantly unregulated. Practically, for underage youth who continuously surf the Internet, this can translate into questionable marketing strategies such as “pop-up” advertisements encouraging players to access adult gambling sites. However, little is known about the number of young people actually accessing these sites. Nevertheless, it is clear that more and more youth are accessing the Internet. In Canada, for example, data collected from 5,682 youth, aged 9 to 17 years, indicates that 99% reported having used the Internet at least to some extent, and 79% reported having Internet access at home (Media Awareness Network, 2001). While 40% of secondary students reported using the Internet for playing/downloading games, 62% of elementary school age students did so similarly. Data from the 2000 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) indicates that 90% of 15-year-olds have computers at home, and that 48% reported playing games on the Internet, at least a few times per week (Willms & Corbett, 2003).
While it is difficult to ascertain how many young people are aware of Internet gambling sites and how many are spending time gambling on-line, only a small number of empirical studies have examined Internet gambling behaviour, and nearly all involved adults. The Canada West Foundation (1999) in a survey of 2,202 Canadians reported that less than 0.5% of gamblers had actually gambled on the Internet (Kelley et al., 2001). A more recent survey by Ialomiteanu and Adlaf (2001) examined the prevalence of Internet gambling in Ontario, using data obtained from random telephone surveys conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor 2000. Across a sample of 1,294 adults, approximately 5% of adults reported having engaged in Internet gambling during the past year, with slightly more women participating in on-line gambling (6.3%) compared to men (4.3%). Differences in prevalence rates may be attributable in part to increases in public access to the Internet. In the Canada West Foundation survey, the reason most frequently given for choosing not to gamble on the Internet was a lack of Internet access (Azmier, 2000). A more recent survey of adults seeking treatment at the University of Connecticut Health Centre found that 8.1% of participants had gambled on the Internet, with younger people significantly more likely to have experienced gambling on-line ().
With respect to youth gambling, Griffiths (2001) provides data from a small sample of 119 adolescents, aged 15 to 19 years of age, none of whom report having gambled on the Internet. However, 4% of youth reported that they would like to try Internet gambling. In contrast to U.K. youth, recent findings from Canada suggest that that at least 25% of young people with serious gambling problems and 20% of those at-risk for a gambling problem (defined by cut off scores on a screening measure) may be playing on-line using so-called “practice sites” where no money is needed to play (Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2002). Wiebe, Cox, and Falkowski-Ham (2003), using a small sample of adults similarly reported that while only 4.7% of individuals reported gambling on the Internet during the past year, participants with serious gambling problems were much more likely to report engaging in Internet gambling. It may be that amongst individuals at risk for developing a gambling problem, the Internet presents a special danger. While our current knowledge remains in its infancy and the prevalence rates are relatively low, researchers and clinicians are predicting greater abuse among youth as well as other high-risk groups including seniors and pathological gamblers.
Adolescents appear particularly vulnerable to the appeal of Internet gambling as they find gambling enjoyable (Dickson, Derevensky & Gupta, in press), are particularly attracted to the colourful, fast-paced videogame-like qualities, view themselves as highly intelligent, and perceive themselves as invulnerable to a gambling problem. These practice sites expose youth to adult games, encouraging them to practice and perhaps move on to ‘for money’ on-line casinos (Canada West Foundation, 1999). Fortunately, some barriers do exist including requiring a credit card in order to wager on these sites. However, these barriers are not impossible to overcome. Are these sites training a new breed of gamblers? Only time will tell, as regulation of these sites continues to be highly problematic.
Mental health professionals are only beginning to fully recognize the magnitude and impact of problem gambling amongst teens. Awareness of the risks and harm associated with gambling problems in youth and the public at-large is lacking. There is a growing need to examine and respond to gambling problems in adolescents from a prevention and public health orientation.
Concern over the growing burden of gambling to individuals, families and society has stimulated discussion of gambling as a social and public health policy issue. makes several recommendations within the Canadian context and proposes that provincial governments carefully assess the impact of gambling expansion on quality of life and balance the promotion of gambling with that of protecting the public from gambling-related harm. In addition, he suggests monitoring gambling advertising, especially with regards to youth, and adopting a harm-minimization approach in order to reduce the adverse health and social consequences of gambling.
Recently, Messerlian, Derevensky, and Gupta (2003) outlined four public health goals – denormalization, protection, prevention, and harm-reduction – that taken together describe action needed to address problem gambling in this young population. Denormalization, within the context of youth gambling, implies social denormalization, where society begins to question and assess underage gambling. Similar to the strategies used in tobacco prevention, denormalization can include drawing attention to the marketing strategies employed by the gambling industry, influencing social norms and attitudes on youth gambling, challenging current myths and misconceptions of Internet gambling among youth and the general public, and promoting realistic and accurate knowledge about gambling. Governments, industry and the public have a responsibility to protect children and adolescents from potentially harmful activities. This goal aims to protect youth from exposure to gambling products and promotion through effective institutional policy, government legislation and through a reduction in the accessibility and availability of all forms of regulated gambling to underage youth.
Prevention can consist of increasing knowledge and awareness of the risk of gambling (including on-line gambling on practice sites) among youth, parents, and professionals. Primary prevention strategies can be used to help promote informed decision-making and be incorporated into curriculum through interactive school-based prevention programs. As well, the implementation of health communication campaigns and community education forums are desirable goals.
Developing harm-reduction programs targeting those youth who are already gambling excessively, but who have not reached the level of pathological gambling, in order to prevent the progression of the problem is just one example of secondary prevention. This is of critical importance as the presence of pathological gambling has been suggested to be a risk factor for suicide (Bourget, Ward, & Gagne, 2003). Primary care providers and psychiatrists have an important role to play in screening for early identification of young problem gamblers in addition to screening for substance abuse problems. Further, their role can include providing brief intervention, referral and treatment services to youth exhibiting signs of problematic gambling behaviour.
There is a need to develop in-service training on youth gambling for health professionals working with youth. However, such strategies alone are insufficient as they do little to address the larger social and environmental determinants of gambling behaviour in our society. Public health action needs to include working on a population level as well as on an individual level, as it is the interplay of intra-personal and inter-personal factors together with institutional, community, and public policy factors that influences one’s propensity to develop a gambling problem (Messerlian et al., 2003). Governments, the industry and the public have a responsibility to protect youth from potentially harmful products and activities. Public policy should reflect the changing social climate and aim to protect youth from access to gambling products and exposure to gambling promotion.
Governments have a responsibility to develop socially responsible regulations and statutes on Internet gambling and to carefully assess their social policies concerning underage gambling in general. Furthermore, through public advocacy governments can be urged to strengthen legislation on advertising and marketing of gambling products to underage youth. Evidently, social policies need to balance public health interests with the gambling revenues accrued by government and industry.
The convenience and easy access to on-line gambling poses distinct enforcement issues. The primary concern with Internet gambling continues to be regulating access to both ‘for money’ sites (Griffiths & Parke, 2002) as well as to practice sites. Governments struggle with a lack of effective approaches to monitoring and regulating on-line gambling providers. In turn, providers grapple with self-regulation to prevent individuals, such as underage youth, from accessing their sites illegally.
There are predictions that Internet gambling will continue to soar with governments becoming more actively involved in the operation of these sites. Gambling has become not only a huge source of revenue for governments throughout the world but also an important public health issue. Health professionals and others working with adolescents will require more knowledge and resources in order to better respond to new and emerging needs. While further research is needed in the area of Internet gambling, raising the issue to the public fore will only serve to better prepare for, and prevent future problems.
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