Problem Gambling is Best Dealt with at a Young Age

October 22, 2010 | News Category: Online Casinos

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The problem gambling organization in the UK, GamCare, found in a study that 2% of teenagers between the ages of twelve and fifteen are problem gamblers. Interestingly, the study showed that only 5% of parents would stop their children from gambling.

GamCare has concluded that if teenage problem gamblers are helped at a young age, and other teenagers are made aware of the issues, and how to notice if they are developing gambling problems, then there will be less problem gamblers as they grow older.

Organizations like GamCare find that a healthy attitude to both land based and online gambling, in which players play for leisure, is not likely to lead to gambling problems, however, those that are young need to make more informed decisions before they run into problems that could easily be prevented.

The government representative for gambling policy, John Penrose, the Minister for Tourism and Heritage, said: "GamCare have highlighted an important issue. Better education for the young, and for parents, is key to preventing problems later in life. Many people enjoy gambling as a sociable leisure activity, but helping young people to understand how to gamble responsibly and to make informed choices is vital to ensuring we keep gambling safe and fun."

One of the important tips that responsible online gamblers know is that they need to stay in control of their gambling, and keep it in the limits that they set for themselves. Responsible online casino players set their limits according to the time they have available to gamble, and also their disposable income, which means that they would not be playing with either their rent or grocery money, but with funds that have been set aside for this enjoyable leisure activity.

The Minister for Universities and Science, the Rt Hon David Willets MP, said: "Educating young people about the risks of gambling is vital. Students can be a particularly vulnerable group. If, before they arrive at university, they are equipped with an awareness of the risks and the strategies to stay in control, they'll be able to make wiser decisions."

GamCare plans to run a program that operates in different regions, in order to raise awareness of the issues. Those that will be involved in this include parents, teachers, expert counselors, and voluntary groups. They plan to find new ways to communicate with young people in order to help them, using popular forums, such as social networking, and viral advertising.

GamCare plans to offer easy to use, and short, training packages that can be used by educators from teachers to youth workers, who will be able to help increase the awareness of the issues connected to gambling problems, and will also show how those with suspected or actual problems can find help.

GamCare's Chief Executive Officer, Andy McLellan explained the above package, and said: "We want problem gambling to be talked about frankly and openly, with easily understood messages. Under 18s aren't seeking our help at the moment and we need to encourage more of them to talk to us now, rather than hold back until a potential crisis point later in life."