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    To apply for a health card, visit the Health Benefits section of this website, or get a form at your local municipal office. Risk of Problem Gambling Problem Gambling and YouthToday's youth are the first generation to grow up with gambling all around them. Gambling is so much a part of our lives, we often do not think of it as gambling. We bet on everything, and for young people gambling has become a socially acceptable form of entertainment. So, what’s the big deal if kids gamble?Youth gambling often starts as a fun way to pass some time. Playing a game of cards or dice, betting on sports pools or video games are common activities among teenagers. Hearing about the high scores or big payoffs that friends have from betting is exciting. It's fun to win. Too bad it doesn't always stay that way. For some kids losing doesn't come easy, they feel they just have to win. It's this need to win that can turn the odd bet into a pattern of problematic gambling behaviour. And, for young people gambling is especially risky because we know that kids who gamble experience problems at levels several times higher than adults who gamble. Early exposureGambling at an early age increases the risk of developing an adult gambling problem. Studies show that adolescent problem gamblers began their gambling at nine or 10 years of age, usually with a parent or other family member. Studies show that parental attitudes, knowledge and behaviour toward youth gambling underestimate the risk associated with early gambling experiences. Parents are generally not concerned about youth gambling. A recent Saskatchewan study showed that approximately 8,660 children, 19 and under, live with a parent who has a gambling problem. An additional, 19,000 children live with a parent who is at moderate-risk. Video games have a special appeal for youthMany teenagers are pros when it comes to arcade video games. They like the flashing lights, clanging bells and fast excitement. Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) have the same appeal. The instant payout, high action and illusion of control reinforce continuous play. Research indicates the more frequently youth play video and arcade games, the more likely they are to believe that playing skills are related to gambling success. This finding is important because we teach our children that practice will make you better. This important teaching concept fits with almost every other activity in life except gambling. The reality is - the outcome in gambling is based solely on chance and does not involve any level of skill. There is no system, no set of skills, no combination of circumstances and no amount of practice that will make someone a successful gambler. Why some kids develop problemsYouth gambling problems are influenced by: early exposure to gambling, often with a parent or someone they look up to; Studies show that youth with gambling problems are more likely to be smokers and/or users of alcohol or drugs. Some youth turn to gambling as a way to escape difficulties at home. Initially, gambling can provide youth with stability, respect, attention, and self-esteem. Gambling can make youth feel like winners. In a recent Manitoba study 25% of youth with gambling problems reported consuming alcohol on a weekly basis, 53% used tobacco daily and 19% report using marijuana weekly. Warning signs
If you are concerned about a family member's health and safety or your own, contact your local health region or call the Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-800-306-6789. |
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