Post 30
What Do You Know about Teen Gambling: Myths
& Facts
I can’t believe it … in some communities, the school bells
are already ringing. More and more, this
month of August marks the beginning of the “Fall” Semester. Young people are headed back to the
classrooms, homework, school sports … and playground / locker bay / cafeteria /
parking lot (etc.) gambling.
Really? Sadly, the answer – for a
number of students – is yes. And yes, gambling for minors is, indeed, illegal.
Moreover, many adults (including
parents) brush off or minimize concern about teen gambling. It’s
just fun; another way to socialize; at least, they’re not driving and
drinking; the jackpots are only pocket
money; … not my kid!
So what do we really
know about gambling? The following myths are commonly heard remarks – often spoken by teenagers – and younger
children. The facts address these thoughts / beliefs – and are true
statements. Parents, teachers, coaches,
counselors, and school administrators: help
your young people to cut through the magical thinking often related to problem
gambling!
From McGill
University at www.youthgambling.com , here are the
myths and facts!
Myth: If you are a lucky person in life, you will be a lucky gambler.
Fact: Many people who gamble believe they are
lucky. However, they still lose
money. Good luck charms or praying
cannot influence the result of gambling activities.
Myth: It does not matter if you lose because –
eventually – if you keep gambling, you will earn back your money.
Fact: Over time, you will lose more and more
money – even if there are occasional wins.
Myth: If you keep track of previous results,
you can predict the outcome of the next gambling play.
Fact: The nature of gambling is that every
gambling event is independent of previous ones.
In other words, when a person rolls the dice, the next roll is entirely
unrelated.
Myth: When you know the rules of the game, you
increase your chances of winning.
Fact: Knowing the rules can be beneficial – to some
extent. However, the odds are always
stacked against you. ALSO, you have
no control over what cards are being dealt.
Myth: If you are good at video games, then
you’ll be good at VLT (video lottery terminal) machines.
Fact: It does require skill to succeed at video
games. The more you play, the better you
may become. However, playing VLTs does not require skill. The
results are entirely random and you cannot influence the outcome of a VLT game!
BE AWARE and BE KNOWLEGEABLE:
In Indiana,
statistics show that 8% of adolescents, 12 to 17 years old, can be considered
problem gamblers. Further, approximately
15% of youths were considered to be at risk of developing problems with
gambling. www.ipgap.indiana.edu
Children as young as 9 years of age are gambling – and are
at risk for developing gambling addiction. Compared to substance abuse, gambling is
often an invisible activity. Likely, a
young person may receive many loans from family and friends before it is realized that there is a
gambling problem.
For more information on teen gambling, visit the following
websites across the country:
For further information on teen gambling, go
to www.grmumc.org
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Director, Gambling Recovery Ministries
