Youth Gambling on the Rise During Summer
Parents who work and leave their children without supervision during the summer while school is out should be more aware of warning signs of a problem on the rise, youth gambling. Roughly 3 percent of adults are pathological gamblers, and the number of adolescents in that category is two to four times greater, according to Tim Christensen, treatment administrator for the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling.
"It?s also troubling to note the age when they start gambling has been going down. Surveys from several states indicate children start gambling at 10 or younger, and the sooner they begin, the less prepared they are for the dangers that go with it.
"We?ve also heard of cases where parents host poker parties for children as a safe alternative to drinking and that?s a concern since it encourages the activity instead of portraying it as something that can cause problems.
"There are no studies available indicating youth gambling is more serious in Arizona than the rest of the nation. However, television programs of poker tournaments tend to glamorize the activity, especially among youth, Christensen said.
June 16, 2006
Posted By James Stevenson
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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