Understanding Youth Gambling: Trends, Risks, and Prevention

In today’s digital age, the lines between gambling and gaming have become increasingly blurred, particularly affecting young people and teens. Traditional forms of gambling are no longer the only avenues available to youth as innovative and unconventional gambling activities have emerged, intertwining with video game design and online platforms. Here’s a look at the common types of gambling activities among young people, their associated risks, and strategies for prevention and treatment. 

Common Types of Gambling Activity for Young People

1. Social Casino Games

Social casino games are free-to-play, gambling-themed games available on social media or mobile apps. They feature virtual in-game currencies like credits or coins, which players can earn by watching ads or referring friends, and sometimes purchase with real money. Although these games don’t offer real monetary prizes, they introduce young players to gambling concepts early on. The ease of winning and the rewards structure can potentially lead to real-money gambling later.

2. Skins Betting

In the world of video games, “skins” are virtual items that alter the appearance of a player’s avatar or equipment but don’t affect gameplay. These skins have become valuable as collectibles. Unregulated websites allow players to use these skins as currency to bet on e-sports or play games like roulette. The risk here is significant since many of these platforms do not enforce age or ID verification, making it easier for underage individuals to participate.

3. E-Sports Betting

E-sports involves competitive video gaming, where players or teams compete in organized tournaments. The growth of e-sports has spurred the rise of e-sports betting, which shares many similarities with traditional sports betting. Although data on e-sports betting is limited, studies suggest that younger adults, particularly those aged 18-24, are more likely to engage in this form of gambling.

The Influence of Social Media

Social media platforms significantly impact youth gambling behaviors. On streaming platforms like Twitch, users can stream their gambling activities, sometimes with sponsorships from gambling companies. These companies often use incentives and promo codes to attract viewers. Similarly, TikTok features numerous videos discussing gambling tips, fantasy sports, e-sports, and investing, which can influence young audiences.

Treatment Approaches for Youth Problem Gambling

Effective treatment for youth problem gambling often involves a combination of therapeutic approaches:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals shift their thoughts and behaviors related to gambling. Studies show that CBT can improve gambling outcomes and reduce the illusions of control up to six months after treatment. This approach can be delivered through one-on-one sessions or group sessions, depending on the age and needs of the individual.

2. Motivational Approaches

Motivational approaches, such as motivational interviewing, focus on addressing ambivalence towards change and enhancing personal autonomy. Personalized feedback, which corrects misconceptions about gambling norms, can also be effective. Research indicates that brief interventions incorporating these methods can improve gambling outcomes.

3. Family-Based Interventions

Family involvement plays a crucial role in preventing and treating youth gambling problems. Parental monitoring and engagement can help reduce gambling issues, particularly when the family context supports positive behavior. It is also beneficial to address parental gambling, as it can increase the likelihood of youth gambling and related problems.

Warning Signs of Youth Gambling

Recognizing the warning signs of youth gambling is essential for early intervention. Look for:

• Changes in school performance, such as missed classes, incomplete assignments, and lower grades.
• Behavioral changes, including increased aggression, defensiveness, or signs of anxiety and depression.
• A heightened interest in competition or winning.
• Missing household cash or unexplained sources of money.
• Increased secretive online activity.

Talking to Your Child About Gambling

Having open conversations about gambling is crucial. Here are some conversation starters and talking points:

Conversation Starters:

• Have you noticed the betting ads on TV?
• Do you think sports betting seems risky?
• Do you think people have to gamble to enjoy sports?
• What do you think about gambling?
• Have any of your friends ever gambled?

Talking Points:

• Betting companies are designed to make a profit, their products are structured to favor them.
• Gambling relies on probability, and the odds of winning are generally consistent.
• There is no such thing as a sure bet, luck and other factors can influence outcomes.
• Gambling ads often portray betting as a fun and rewarding activity but don’t reveal the risks involved.

By staying informed and proactive, we can better support young people in navigating the complex world of gambling and help prevent the development of gambling-related problems.

Resources

Talking to kids about gambling (lovethegame.vic.gov.au)

GGTU | Youth and problem gambling (camh.ca)

Allami, Y., Vitaro, F., Brendgen, M., Carbonneau, R. & Tremblay, R.E. (2018). Identifying at-risk profiles and protective factors for problem gambling: A longitudinal study across adolescence and early adulthood. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 32 (3), 373-382. Available: https://doi.orgho.1037/adboooo356 . Accessed March 31, 2021.

Dickson, L., Derevensky, J.L. & Gupta, R. (2008). Youth gambling problems: Examining risk and protective factors. International Gambling Studies, 8 (1), 25-47. Available: https://doi.orgho.1080/14459790701870118 . Accessed March 31, 2021.

Gambling Commission. (2018). Gambling Participation in 2017: Behaviour, Awareness and Attitudes. Birmingham, United Kingdom: Gambling Commission.

Greer, N., Rockloff, M., Browne, M., Hing, N. & King, D.L. (2019). Esports betting and skin gambling: A brief history. Journal of Gambling Issues, 43, 128-146. Available: https://doi.org/10.4309/jgi.2019.43.8. Accessed: May 17, 2021.

Ladouceur, R., Boisvert, J.-M. & Dumont, J. (1994). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adolescent pathological gamblers. Behavior Modification, 18 (2), 230- 242. Available: https://doi.orgho.1177/01454455940182006. Accessed March 31, 2021.

Larimer, M.E., Neighbors, C., Lostutt er, T.W., Whiteside, U., Cronce, J.M., Kaysen, D. & Walker, D. D. (2012). Brief motivational feedback and cognitive behavioral interventions for prevention of disordered gambling: A randomized clinical trial. Addiction, 107 (6), 1148-1158. Available: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03776.x . Accessed March 31, 2021.

Magoon, M.E. & Ingersoll, G.M. (2006). Parental modeling, attachment, and supervision as moderators of adolescent gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 22 (1), 1-22. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-005-9000-6. Accessed March 31, 2021.

Petry, N.M., Weinstock, J., Morasco, B.J. & Ledgerwood, D.M. (2009). Brief motivational interventions for college student problem gamblers. Addiction, 104 (9), 1569-1578. Available : https://doi.orgho.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02652.x. Accessed March 31, 2021.

St -Pierre, R. & Derevensky, J.L. (2016). Youth gambling behavior: Novel approaches to prevention and intervention. Current Addiction Reports, 3 (2), 157-165. Available : https://doi.orgho.1007/s40429-016-0104-o. Accessed March 31, 2021.

Veselka, L., Wijesingha, R., Leatherdale, S.T., Turner, N.E. & Elton-Marshall, T. (2018). Factors associated with social casino gaming among adolescents across game types. BMC Public Health, 18 (1), 1167. Available: https://doi.orgho.1186/s12889-018-6069-2. Accessed March 31, 2021.

Zhai, Z.W., Yip, S.W., Steinberg, M.A., Wampler, J., Hoff, R.A., Krishnan-Sarin, S. & Potenza, M.N. (2017). Relationships between perceived family gambling and peer gambling and adolescent problem gambling and binge-drinking. Journal of Gambling Studies, 33 (4), 1169-1185. Available: https://doi.orgho.1007/s10899-017-9670-x . Accessed March 31, 2021.