Gambling activity among australian teenagers

Introduction

A recent national study reveals disturbing trends regarding gambling among Australian teenagers. Sixteen percent of 16-17 years of age Australian teens reported that they had participated in gambling activities over the last year, with some gambling illegally due to their age. This article investigates findings from the Growing Up In Australia Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and discusses influences on gambling behavior in teenagers.

Prevalence of Gambling Among Teenagers

The survey has ascertained that gambling in this cohort (ages 16 to 17) is quite prevalent. The most common gambling activity was private betting with friends or family, as it was by definition not subject to age restrictions. Some teenagers also participated in betting on sports, horse races, and dog races; however, at least 18 years of age is a requirement for access to these activities. In addition, the survey established that roughly 2 per cent of young gamblers spend money on poker machines, table casino games, and Keno in violation of the age restrictions.

Risk Factors for Gambling Behaviour

Many underlying factors increase the probability of youth participating in dangerous gambling behaviours. Individual factors, family environment, and peer influences explain a significant variation, as pointed out by Dr. Rebecca Jenkinson, researcher, Australian Institute of Family Studies. However, smoking, drinking, and drug abuse tend to be more prevalent behaviours associated with gambling behaviour. Moreover, boys who bullied little kids or were bullied themselves were more likely to gamble as opposed to the case with girls.

Parental Influence on Teenage Gambling

Parental behaviour seems to influence teenage casino gambling significantly. The study found that teenagers whose parents engaged in gambling were more likely to do so. In homes where neither parent had gambled in the past year, only 11 percent of teenagers engaged in gambling. In contrast, 17 percent of teenagers whose parents had gambled reported gambling. The study further highlighted that if their parents engaged in casino-type video games, girls tended to play gambling-like video games more; not the same was true of boys.

The Influence of Gambling-like Video Games

The study has flagged gambling-like video games as having the potential to be a risk factor for development in the adolescence age group. These games simulate experiences of gambling and might facilitate the transition of some teenagers toward real-money gambling. Dr. Jenkinson said that the number of boys and girls aged 16-17 who participated in gambling was significantly higher amongst those who had played gambling-like video games. This raises issues regarding the possible long-term effects of exposure to the simulated gambling nature of these games on the behaviours of young people.

Consequences of Teenage Gambling

Throughout these years in which adolescents indulge in wide-spread gambling and get away with it, the early penetrating effect of gaming might raise some alarming issues. Numerous studies indicate that heavy gambling in teenagers results in relationship problems and poor performance academically. Teenagers indulging in gambling may also be at increased risk for developing gambling-related harm in the future, with the possibility of long-term consequences for their well-being.

Recommendations for Future Policy and Intervention

Dr. Jenkinson provides recommendations, indicating that interventions to reduce gambling problems among the youth in the future should involve limiting the availability and marketing of gambling events. Stricter enforcement of age verification in online gambling might help to limit the access of teenagers to these gambling activities. The restriction of gambling-like video console games might also be another good step toward eliminating a potential gambling problem in the future.

Conclusion

The results of this study emphasize the increasing anxiety over gambling among Australian adolescents. Since a considerable or even important population is involved in gambling activities, most of which are illegal, an intervention plan or prohibitive measurement needs to be put in place.