Disclaimer: This article contains content that may not be suitable for younger students.
Underage gambling is a serious and growing problem that affects not only the financial well-being of young people but also their mental health, social lives and academic success.
Studies show that underage gambling is not rare. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), approximately 60-80% of adolescents have gambled at least once in their lives, with many engaging in some form of gambling before the legal age.
Online gambling has made it easier than ever for minors to access gambling opportunities.
Many celebrities and popular influencers are making their own online casinos and or promoting them. This is causing many young teens to start gambling, not knowing the serious lifetime consequences that can come along with gambling.
Companies such as PrizePicks, Bettr, Sleeper and others have had a massive effect on teens due to the easy accessibility and the opportunity to win big.
I took some time to discuss gambling with an 16 year-old individual, who would like to remain anonymous. Our conversation can be found below.
How many hours a week do you spend finding or placing bets?
“Four to six hours.”
How much money have you spent in the last month on gambling?
“$400.”
Why do you gamble?
“I gamble because of the excitement it brings and the opportunity to win big.”
Has gambling affected your mental health?
“Yes, it’s negatively impacting me every day because I keep losing money and am constantly stressing over my bets.”
Do you ever lose time from school due to gambling?
“Yes, every day. I’ll find myself researching different bets during class, instead of doing my work and continue to think about these bets throughout the day.”
What got you into sports gambling?
“Older friends have influenced me, as well as social media.”
Do you plan on quitting sports gambling anytime soon?
“No.”
Awareness needs to be spread, and parents need to become educated because their kids can become full-blown gambling addicts. By prioritizing prevention, education and awareness, we can help ensure that young people are better equipped to make informed choices and avoid falling into the trap of gambling addiction.
Image courtesy of pix4free.
