Politicians across Australia are working hard to reduce problem gambling, but it seems that more attention should be paid to the growing issue of youth gambling. According to a report by ABC Gippsland, it appears that more and more young people are likely to become addicted to gambling.
Tony Akswith, a local psychologist and problem gambling counsellor, has expressed concerns that smartphones are making it easier for young people to get involved in gambling from an early age. There are plenty of free online pokie apps that young people can access from the iTunes App Market and the Google Play Store.
Although they do not require players to spend any money, they do normalise the activity and could turn some young people on to gambling. "My concern is the youth, I think they're being targeted,” Mr Askwith says. “I think perhaps they're maybe being groomed for future gambling”. He states that the key to dealing with the issue is education.
Mr Askwith believes that it is important for young people to understand the potential dangers of gambling. If they are informed about responsible betting and playing habits, it is less likely that they will become addicted to gambling in the future. So, there is a significant need for gambling education programs for youths. The report also obtained the opinion of a youth who actually works in a pokie club.
Michell Evans is a 20-year-old who recently made a poster aimed at preventing problem gambling among youths. He says that the vibrant nature of pokies can tempt people his age, and notes the importance of knowing when to quit. “You've got to draw a line somewhere,” he says. “As a 20 year old it's not an area you want to be involved in”.
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