Youth and Problem Gambling Facts and Guidelines for Prevention

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.

• 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                                                              

Resources for Parents:

Facts on Teen Drug Use – information to help you talk with your teens about drugs and their effects, and learn where to go to get help

Parent Resources from SAMHSA to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.

The purpose of the problem gambling prevention is to increase public awareness and educate community members about the issue. 

Prevention efforts include:

• Building skills in youth that will increase healthy lifestyles and decision-making
• Parent education and awareness of problem behavior
• Community awareness campaigns
• Education regarding problem gambling treatment resources

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.  

For more information on problem gambling prevention, visit OPRG.org

For more information on the Linn County problem gambling prevention program, please e-mail prevention@co.linn.or.us or call 541-967-3819.