The Rise in Teen Gambling

Did you know that 9.5% of youth are affected by problem gambling in Massachusetts? Did you also know that 2.8% of youth are identifed as having pathological/compulsive gambling problems in Massachusetts? What is the difference between problem gambling and pathological/compulsive gambling? Answer: The former is abuse and the latter is an addiction. Question: What is the main source of gambling for youths? Answer: Internet gaming. Question: What is one way youths pay to engage in gambling activities? Answer: They buy prepaid credit cards in the local stores. I could not believe how problem and pathological gambling is a growing problem for our youth. While it is no surprise that many use the internet to gamble, it is now a major public health issue for this population. People often ask what are the similarities between substance abuse and problem/pathological gambling. The common factors that cause these behaviors are emotional difficulties; impulsivity; and stress. Both also involve a loss of control. On brain scans, it shows that the same pathways and cells not only light up but also an increase in size for the neural pathways and an increase in the number of cells growing. The major differences between the above addictions are problem gambling involves getting instant rewards and bailouts from family members/friends who pay for their debts. Here two basic questions as a screening tool to ask your child/teen who may be having a problem with gambling: 1)Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money? 2) Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gamble? If you answered "Yes" to one or both questions, please contact the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling at 1-800-426-1234. There is a website designed for and by teens on problem gambling at www.teensknowyourlimits.org. I found the above information to be very helpful in increasing my professional knowledge and awareness as a professional counselor in Shrewsbury. I thank the Massachusetts Compulsive Gambling for providing this training on this topic to providers