6 minute read
GAMBLING ADDICTION AMONG YOUTH
How technology is changing the relationship between young people and gambling
by Emanuela Loperte
Did you know that the percentage of young people who have their first experience with gambling before the age of 18 is on the rise?
Gambling addiction is characterized by a persistent, recurrent, and maladaptive gambling behavior that disrupts personal, family, or work activities. In 1994, pathological gambling (GAP) was classified in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder) as an “impulsive control disorder”.
In recent years, the social phenomenon of this addiction has evolved and become an increasingly concerning issue among younger populations, particularly in the 14-17 age group. While gambling was traditionally confined to “Accessibility” specific physical locations that people had to visit, today, with the advent of digital technology, it has become more accessible than ever. Website, apps, and targeted advertisements make gambling easily accessible to young people, exposing them to significant risks.
Research conducted in Canada has shown that adolescent problem gambling is associated with various other mental health outcomes, including higher rates of depressive symptoms, an increased risk of alcohol and substance abuse disorders, a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts, greater anxiety, and poor general health. Additionally, these adolescents are at a higher risk of delinquency and crime, disrupted familial and peer relationships, and poor academic performance compared to their peers. The consequences faced by youth experiencing gambling-related problems are severe and can have devastating effects on the adolescents, their peers, and their families.
The expansion of gambling and the rising number of youth with gambling problems need to be viewed as a community/social issue, not merely the problem of individuals with an illness.
Main Causes of Gambling Addiction Among Youth
Several factors can be identified as causes of the increasing gambling addiction among youth:
1. Accessibility: The presence of online platforms has made gambling available 24/7. This means that young people can gamble at any time of the day, increasing the risk of developing an addiction.
2. Targeted Advertising: Advertising on social media and other digital platforms often targets young people with enticing promo -
tions and initial bonuses, creating an illusion of easy money.
3. Social Influence: Peer pressure and social influence can play a significant role. If a young person sees friends or celebrities engaging in gambling, they might feel compelled to do the same. Additionally, an increasing number of online influencers promote this type of activity by gambling live on platforms like Twitch.
Over the past decade, online gambling has surged globally. There’s increasing concern about the merging of online gaming and gambling, as gaming platforms increasingly incorporate gambling-like elements. For example, many games now feature loot boxes—virtual items or “skins” with randomized rewards and unclear odds, which resemble gambling. Although gaming itself rarely leads to negative consequences, it normalizes elements like prize wheels that can become problematic. This “gamification” of gambling and the introduction of such elements into video games might not only pose direct risks, such as financial harm from compulsive in-game purchases, but could also serve as a gateway to gambling addiction, particularly among young men
It is important to note that youth gambling has significantly increased, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, policies should be established to regulate access to gambling websites. However, these sites often fail to enforce stringent controls to maximize profits, exacerbating the issue.
Gambling in young men
A recent study using the ALSPAC cohort reveals that over half of young adults (17-24 years old) engage in gambling, with a notable gender bias towards males. The rise of online gambling has made it more accessible, leading to a higher prevalence among young men, where it often starts recreationally but can become a compulsive addiction. Sports betting's popularity among young men may be linked to social norms about masculinity, competition, and risk-taking. Additionally, social and financial pressures like peer influence and unemployment might increase their vulnerability to gambling-related harms.
Clinically, diagnosing gambling disorder in young men requires a thorough assessment to identify common comorbidities such as substance use disorders, ADHD, or OCD, and to differentiate it from other conditions like bipolar disorder, substance use, or drug side effects. This understanding is essential for creating effective and personalized interventions.
There are numerous red flags that can make us suspect a gambling addiction in ourselves or in someone close to us. Among these, the main ones we can consider are:
Spending excessive amounts of time gambling.
Neglecting responsibilities and daily activities due to gambling.
Lying to family and friends about the extent of gambling.
Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
Chasing losses by continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back money.
Experiencing mood swings, anxiety, or irritability related to gambling activities.
Prioritizing gambling over important relationships and social activities.
Showing withdrawal symptoms when not gambling.
Increasing bets to experience the same level of excitement.
Using gambling as an escape from problems or to relieve stress.
It is important, however, to understand how addiction develops, as it often follows specific phases. Identifying these phases could allow one to recognize the problem in time and intervene.
The initial factors that can influence the development of addiction are risk factors. Family history, genetics, psychological factors, social environment, personality, past experiences, and financial resources are all elements that can impact the dynamics of how one approaches gambling.
We can identify four stages of gambling addiction development: Initially, during the winning phase, gambling feels exciting and fun, with small wins leading to bigger bets in pursuit of more profits. As the addiction progresses into the losing phase, losses become more frequent, causing bets to rise in an attempt to recoup the money, and the gambler starts hiding and lying about their activities. In the desperation phase, savings are depleted, and the individual may resort to borrowing or begging for money to continue gambling, making very reckless bets driven by an uncontrollable urge. Finally, in the hopeless phase, the person realizes that gambling has devastated their finances, relationships, and personal integrity, leading to an emotional and economic rock bottom.
Conclusion
Like any other addiction, gambling often serves as an escape from reality, offering a temporary reprieve from life’s challenges but ultimately leading to deeper problems. While it may begin as a harmless activity, it can rapidly spiral into a serious addiction with far-reaching consequences, especially among young people. The ease of access to online gambling platforms, coupled with targeted advertising and social influences, has made youth particularly vulnerable. The severe mental health, social, and financial impacts of gambling addiction underscore the importance of early intervention. Recognizing the warning signs and understanding the stages of addiction are crucial steps in preventing long-term damage.
