The Growing Threat of Gambling Among Children and teens in the US
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Prince William County, virginia, is raising the alarm about a disturbing trend: the increasing involvement of children and teens in gambling. This isn’t just about lottery tickets; the concern extends to the subtle, yet powerful, influence of video games and online platforms.
A December awareness campaign urges parents to avoid gifting lottery tickets or scratch-offs to children this holiday season. county officials are highlighting the concerning rise in youth gambling, fueled by the increasingly prevalent gambling-like mechanics embedded within many popular video games. This includes microtransactions, loot boxes, and “spin-to-win” features that mimic the thrill and risk of real-world gambling. The county’s campaign aims to educate parents and children about the potential dangers.
Wendy Hunt, a wellness and prevention team supervisor in Prince William County, emphasizes the urgency of the situation. “We are seeing that rise in gambling-related suicides,” she states. “To get ahead of the problem right before it becomes a problem for adults later on, we want to educate our youth early, so that they can have those skills and the abilities to manage their play before a problem occurs.” Recent surveys reveal a critically important portion of young adults engaging in various forms of gambling; approximately one-fourth of 18- to 24-year-olds reported betting on sports,while 15% admitted to playing lottery games.
Hunt points out that even seemingly harmless family games like bingo or poker can inadvertently introduce children to gambling behaviors. “What it’s actually doing is introducing our youth to gambling behaviors,” she explains. This concern is amplified by the design of many digital games, which, she says, “are doing that, too, because things like microtransactions, loot boxes or spin-to-win concepts replicate real-life gambling behaviors.”
The addictive nature of thes in-game purchases is further highlighted by Hunt’s observation: “All these little things, what they’re doing is increasing the interest and the engagement in that, and it’s … teaching them how to put time and effort and virtual coin into things that are actually more chance-based or luck-based, and not actually skill, and so it builds into that gambling-type behavior.” She explains that the dopamine release associated with virtual currency purchases mirrors the brain’s response to substance use: “It’s a similar reaction in our brain as it is to substance use,” she notes.
To mitigate the risks, Hunt recommends setting time limits for screen time, encouraging physical activity, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, and emphasizing that online games and gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not a means to solve financial problems. “Gambling can be fun and safe for many people, and it’s not going to be a problem for everyone, but it is going to be a problem for some,” she cautions.
The Virginia initiative, spearheaded by the National Council on Problem Gambling and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, will encompass various measures, including retailer training and educational webinars, to combat this growing issue.
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The Growing Threat of Gambling Among Children and teens in the US
Prince William County, Virginia, is raising the alarm about a disturbing trend: the increasing involvement of children and teens in gambling. This isn’t just about lottery tickets; the concern extends to the subtle, yet powerful, influence of video games and online platforms.
A New Kind of Risk
Senior Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Alison Pierce. You’re a leading expert on adolescent behavioral health, and I know you’ve been studying the rise of gambling among young people. Can you tell our readers what’s so concerning about this trend?
Dr. Alison Pierce: It’s a pleasure to be here. This is indeed a meaningful concern. We’re seeing a shift in how young people encounter gambling, and it’s becoming more normalized and accessible through video games and online platforms. These platforms often incorporate mechanics like loot boxes, microtransactions, and “spin-to-win” features that mimic the thrill and risk of real-world gambling, without explicitly being labeled as such.
Beyond Lottery Tickets
Senior Editor: So, it’s not just about kids buying lottery tickets anymore?
Dr. Pierce: Exactly! While conventional forms of gambling like lotteries are still a concern, the online world presents new and more insidious pathways. Many parents may not even realize that their children are engaging in gambling-like behaviors through these seemingly harmless games.
The Allure of Virtual Rewards
Senior Editor: Can you explain how these in-game mechanics can be addictive?
Dr. Pierce: These mechanics are designed to be highly engaging and rewarding. Loot boxes,for example,use similar psychological principles as slot machines,creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. When a child receives a desirable virtual item, their brain releases dopamine, the same neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This can create a powerful loop that keeps them coming back for more,even if it involves spending real money.
Protecting Our Young People
Senior Editor: What advice would you give to parents who are worried about their child’s exposure to gambling?
Dr. Pierce: Open communication is crucial. Talk to your children about the risks associated with gambling, both online and offline.
Set healthy boundaries around screen time and encourage option activities. It’s also important to be aware of the games your children are playing and monitor their in-app purchases. If you notice any signs of problematic gambling behavior,such as spending excessive amounts of money or becoming secretive about their gaming habits,seek professional help.
Remember, early intervention is key.
