Canadian Parents Rank Youth Gambling Problems Below Other Issues

In a recent survey that was undertaken by the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviors, it was found that parents ranked a number of other concerns above that of possible underage gambling problems. The Center is based at McGill University, and the recent survey was funded, in part, by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, as part of a study into the risk of underage gamblers developing gambling problems at a later time.

The center’s co-director, Dr. Jeff Derevensky said that it was seen in the study that those who begin gambling when they are underage, are at a higher level of risk of becoming problem gamblers when they are adults. In a teleconference call with journalists, Dr Derevensky said, “These rates are two to four times that of adults but they go undetected because teenagers don’t lose their homes from it or their spouses, so it presents in different ways.”

While parents look out for many things that may negatively affect their children, only 40% of the 2,700 parents surveyed, seems to have concerns regarding underage gambling and its risks. The issues that parents are most concerned about are possible drug use, after which alcohol use, and drinking and driving, as well as unsafe sexual activities all follow fairly close behind, with over 80% of parents being concerned about each of these issues.

Interestingly, video game playing is an issue that concerns 64% of the parents. Some may argue that video game playing is a stepping-stone to online gambling, however, no betting takes place in most video games.

As a result of the study that was undertaken, the advice given to parents is to make sure that they do what they can to prevent children from getting involved in underage gambling.

The private research group, Decode, was a partner in this recent study. Eric Meerkamper from Decode advised: “Parents can play an important role. For instance by not buying lottery tickets as Christmas presents for underage children.” The study recommended that parents steer clear of buying gambling-themed gifts, such as poker sets.

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