Problem gambling is a growing problem among adults, but now the issue is spilling over to teens and children. More and more young people are becoming addicted to gambling, and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has launched new programs to stop the problem from worsening.
The Responsible Gambling Foundation has identified several groups of young people that are at-risk of developing gambling addiction. Among people with mental health disorders and people suffering from a socioeconomic disadvantage were also international students and young people aged 12 to 17.
While it has been known for quite some time that individuals on a low income are more likely to become addicted to gambling, it is shocking that young teenagers are also at risk. Local researchers attribute this to teens being exposed to gambling at younger and younger ages.
"A great proportion of Australians growing up today are likely to have experience of gambling before they are 18," reads a report from the Responsible Gambling Foundation. “Teenagers are more prone to gambling than adults and gambling issues are often associated with other problems”.
To combat this growing issue, Responsible Gambling Foundation CEO Serge Sardo has confirmed that the organization will be launching new prevention programs. Many of them aim to raise awareness of underage gambling while others focus on international students who may be of legal gambling age but are still too young to realize the implications of spending beyond their means.
Still, it all starts at home. It is never too early to speak with your children about the dangers of gambling addiction. Early intervention is crucial if you want to help prevent them from falling victim to problem gambling.
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