Youth and Problem Gambling Facts and Guidelines
Resources and Guidelines for Responsible Gambling
Source: Oregon Council on Problem Gambling
Many parents aren’t aware that youth gambling is often connected with alcohol use, marijuana use, and other drug use.
Did you know?
- More than half of Oregon teens have gambled.
- They prefer games like betting on sports teams, skill games and cards.
- Teens who gamble are more likely to use alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs.
- Over half of youth surveyed believe that gambling can become a problem for young people.
- More than 9 in 10 teens believe that gambling problems can be prevented through education and awareness
Guidelines for Responsible Gambling
In Oregon, most adults (87%) agree that if people choose to gamble, they should have their own guidelines for gambling responsibly. Reflect on these questions, which can prevent problem gambling:
Is gambling only for entertainment?
Most adults (8 out of 10) agree that if people choose to gamble, they should do it for entertainment.
How much is gambling costing you?
Most adults (9 out of 10) agree that people should understand how much gambling costs them. See Play Responsibly
Are losses the cost of entertainment?
Most adults (8 out of 10) agree that people should treat the money they lost as the cost of entertainment.
Is a dollar limit set and followed?
Most adults (9 out of 10) agree that people should set a dollar limit on how much they will gamble and stick to it.
Are losses expected more than winnings?
Most adults (8 out of 10) agree that people should expect to lose when they gamble.
Is trying to win back lost money avoided?
Most adults (9 out of 10) agree that people should avoid “chasing” lost money, that is, they should avoid trying to win back lost money.
Is borrowed money or credit being used for gambling?
Most adults (9 out of 10) agree that people should NOT gamble using borrowed money or credit.
Is a time limit set and followed?
Most adults (8 out of 10) agree that people should set a limit as to how long they will gamble and stick to it.
Is gambling interfering with friends, family, work or other worthwhile activities?
Most adults (9 out of 10) agree that gambling should not interfere with or be a substitute for friends, family, work or other worthwhile activities.
Is gambling used to cope with emotional or physical pain?
Most adults (9 out of 10) agree that people should not gamble to cope with emotional or physical pain.
Is drinking while gambling avoided?
Most adults (6 out of 10) agree that people should not drink alcohol and gamble at the same time.
Is gambling under the age of 21 avoided?
Most adults (8 out of 10) agree that people under the age of 21 should not gamble.
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