6-20% of Young People Have Gambling Problem

This post originally appeared at https://wifamilycouncil.org/radio/6-20-of-young-people-have-gambling-problem/

The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling reports that 6-20% of the adolescent population exhibits problem gambling behavior. In fact, adolescents are 2-4X more likely than adults to have this problem. Because social gambling quickly moves to problem gambling, and wagering is thought of as an adult privilege, adolescents are more susceptible to developing this behavior. Approximately two out of three adolescents gamble.

Compulsive gambling can begin at any age. Even seemingly harmless internet games introduce children to the so-called “fun,” “challenging,” and “winning” experiences of gambling. For some children, it even begins by making bets with friends and classmates. We encourage parents to have honest conversations with their children about the pitfalls of gambling and to discuss biblical financial stewardship.