Youth gambling: Some critical Gambling as a high risk ... · Youth gambling: Some critical issues and a cause for concern ... Derevensky, & Gupta (2002). International Centre for

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Youth gambling: Some criticalissues and a cause for concern

Jeffrey L. Derevensky, Ph.D.International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and

High-Risk Behaviors

McGill University

Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse

August 2005www.youthgambling.com

Gambling as a high risk behavior…

International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors

Alcoholabuse

SubstanceUse

TeenageSuicide

PathologicalGambling

Delinquency

FamilyEnvironment

Risk andProtectiveFactors

CommunityEnvironment

Risk andProtective

Factors

School-RelatedRisk and

ProtectiveFactors

PeerAssociation

Risk andProtectiveFactors

IndividualRisk and

ProtectiveFactors

SocietyRelated Risk

andProtective

Factors

Adapted from Understanding Substance Abuse Prevention: Toward 21st Century Primer on Effective Programs (P. Brounstein & J. Zweig, 1999). Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) & Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Dickson, Derevensky, & Gupta (2002).


Societal influencesVideo game mania

Gambling fund-raisers in schools and church

Social acceptability

Increased venues

Internet gambling

Powerful advertisements

Lack of prevention and awareness

Parental modeling

Web TV

Attractive games`


Developmental IssuesNature of adolescence (stage of risk-taking, experimentation, for acceptance by peers, group conformity, etc.)

First generation of youth exposed to ready access and varied gambling venues

Gambling has become the new rite of passage

Minimum legal age to place a bet varies across states, but many opportunities for 18-year-olds in Canada, United States, and around the world

Adolescence is a period of profound brain maturation.

It was believed that brain development was complete during childhoodThe maturation process is not complete until about age 24!!!

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Youth involvement in addictivebehaviors


Involvement in addictive behaviors

Total use Weekly use

Gr 7 Gr 9 Gr 11 Gr 7 Gr 9 Gr 11Alcohol 36.8% 62.2% 79.8% 7.4% 14.0% 20.2%Drugs 3.5% 13.4% 26.5% 2.7% 2.1% 9.0%Cigarettes 18.2% 34.5% 48.4% 7.0% 16.1% 31.4%Gambling 79.1% 78.9% 83.4% 30.4% 37.4% 37.1%

Gupta & Derevensky, 1998

Regular* involvement in addictive behaviors

2.9%0.4%1.9%0.5%0.7%Hallucinogenic

10.2%10.5%11.1%3.0%2.0%Downers1.5%0.4%1.0%0.5%0.7%Uppers

30.1%22.3%14.9%11.0%2.6%Alcohol

23.8%22.1%15.4%10.6%4.0%Smoke

Gr.11Gr.10Gr.9Gr.8Gr.7

Wood, Gupta & Derevensky, 2004

68.8%59.0%58.9%49.2%56.2%Gambling* Once a week or more.


Problem Severity Continuum

No gambling

At-Risk gambling

Social g

ambling

Problem gambling

Pathological gambling

Compulsive gambling

Habitual gambling

National Research Council (1999) conclusions

73% median value – youth gambled fairly recently

7.7-34.9% of youth problem gambling (broadly defined) 15.5% median value

1.2-11.2% more narrow definition of problem gambling 5.0% median value

Prevalence FindingsCanadian and US findings…

• 4-8% Level III, Probable pathological gamblers (NRC, 1999)

• 10-15% at-risk for problem gambling (Derevensky & Gupta, 2005; Shaffer & Hall, 1996; Winters, Stinchfield, & Fulkerson, 1991; Wynne, Smith, & Jacobs, 1996)

• 1.1 million youth 12-17 exhibit pathological gambling behavior (National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC), 1999)

• 5 million youth have serious gambling related problems (Jacobs, 2004)

• A problem not limited to the US & Canada but England (Fisher, Griffiths), Australia (Delfabbro), New Zealand (NZPGRC) & Spain (Becona)

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Youth gambling…….


Reasons why children & adolescents gamble (N=1040)

0102030405060708090

100

grade 4 grade 6 grade 7 grade 8 grade 9 grade 11

enjoyment

excitement

money

social pressure


Preferred activities…….

Percentage of children and adolescents engaging in various gambling activities

(N=1294)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

cards sportspools

sportslottery

lottery videopoker

bingo slots games ofskill

grade 4grade 6grade 7grade 8grade 9grade 11


Participation in Gambling Activities

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

cardssports pools

sports lottery

lotteryvideogames

VLT'sbingo

slotsInternet ($)

Internet (no$)

OccasionallyRegularly


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International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors


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Where do they gamble…….


Reported gambling venues (N=1294)

0102030405060708090

100

grade 4 grade 6 grade 7 grade 8 grade 9 grade 11

home friend's houseschool

(Derevensky & Gupta, 1997; Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a)


Locations in which adolescents report gambling(N=817)

0102030405060708090

100

friend's house arcades bars casinos

*Grades 7, 9, & 11


With whom do they gamble…….

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With whom adolescents gamble(N=817)

0102030405060708090

100

alone friends strangers parents siblings relatives total family

grade 7grade 9grade 11

(Gupta & Derevensky, 1998)


Clinical Description of Pathological Gambling

Continuous involvement in and preoccupation with gambling (and an inability to stop) despite resulting adverse consequences


Problem gamblers…….


Gambling Problems

Problem gambling

Problem gambling rates

are low but vary considerably

Most youth gambling with

no clinical problems


Percentage of adolescents engaging in various gambling activities* (N = 817)

0102030405060708090

100

cards sportspools

sportslottery

lottery videopoker

bingo slots gamesof skill

casino

no problem gamblersocial gamblergambler with some problemsprobable pathological gambler

* grades 7, 9, 11


Percentage of adolescent gamblers regularly* engaging in various gambling activities

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

cards sports sportslottery

lottery videopoker

bingo slots gamesof skill

no problem gamblersocial gamblersome problem gamblerprobable pathological gambler

*(Once a week or more)

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Reported percentage of substance use (past year) according to gambling severity (N=817)

0102030405060708090

100

alcohol drugs smoking

no problem gambler

social gambler

gambler with some problems

probable pathological gambler

* grades 7, 9, & 11


Percentage of respondents reporting additional problems according to gambling severity (N=817)

01020304050607080

non gambler gambler NP gambler SP PPG

sought help for addictionsuicidal ideationattempted suicide

(Gupta & Derevensky, 1998)* grades 7, 9, & 11


Percentage of respondents who have legal actions pending against them (N=817)

05

101520253035404550

non gambler gambler NP gambler SP PPG

* grades 7, 9, & 11


Possible Pathways for Risk and Substance Use (SU) and Gambling (Ga) Disorders

High Risk

SUDisorder

ConductDisorder

GaDisorder

SU/GaDisorders

SU/GaDisorders

Path 2

Path 1

Path 3

Winters & Anderson (2000)


Behaviors of pathological gambling

Preoccupation with gambling (81.6%)

Lying to family or friends about gambling (78.9%)

Chasing losses (73.7%)

Spending school money on gambling activities? (68.4%)

Stolen money from home to gamble (57.9%)

Gambling to escape problems? (50.0%)

Increasing money spent on gambling (36.8%)


Our current state of knowledge

Gambling is more popular amongst males than females (Derevensky, Gupta & Della Cioppa, 1996; Fisher, 1990; Govoni, Rupcich, & Frisch, 1996; Griffiths, 1989, 2000; 2002; Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a; Hardoon & Derevensky, 2002; Jacobs, 2000, in press; Ladouceur et al., 1994;NORC, 1999; NRC, 1999; Stinchfield Cassuto, Winters, & Latimer, 1997; Volberg, 19994, 1996, 1998; Wynne et al., 1996)

Adolescent pathological gamblers are greater risk-takers (Arnett; 1994; Breen & Zuckerman, 1996; Derevensky & Gupta, 1996; Nower, Gupta & Derevensky, in press; Powell, Hardoon, Derevensky, & Gupta 1999; Zuckerman, 1979, 1994; Zuckerman, Eysenck, & Eysenck, 1978)

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Adolescent prevalence rates of problem gambling are 2-4 times that of adults (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a; Jacobs, 2000; National Research Council, 1999; Shaffer & Hall, 1996)

Few adolescents fear getting caught gambling

Gambling has become a family activity 40-68% of youth gamble with family members (Gupta & Derevensky, 1997; Moore & Ohtsuka, 1997)

80-90% of parents report knowing their children gamble for money and do not object (Ladouceur, Vitaro, Cote & Dumont, 2001)

77% of adolescents reported their parents purchased lottery tickets for them (Derevensky & Gupta, 2002; Felsher, Derevensky & Gupta, in press)

Lottery draws remain a popular t.v. show in the UK (Griffiths & Wood, 2002)

Percentage of children & adolescents who fear being caught while gambling (N=1294)

44

2617

10 9.1 8.6

0102030405060708090

100

grade 4 grade 6 grade 7 grade 8 grade 9 grade 11(Gupta & Derevensky, 1998c)


Adolescents with gambling problems have poor general coping skills (Gupta, 1999; Gupta & Derevensky, 2001; Marget, Gupta, & Derevensky, 1999; Nower, Gupta & Derevensky, 2000)

Adolescent problem gamblers report beginning gambling at earlier ages, approximately 10 years of age (Derevensky & Gupta, 2001; Gupta & Derevensky,1997a,1998a; Wynne et al., 1996)

Rapid movement from social gambler to problem gambler (Derevensky, 1999; Derevensky & Gupta, 1996, 1999; Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a, 2000)


Adolescent problem gamblers have lower self-esteem compared with other adolescents (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998b, 2000)

Adolescent problem gamblers have higher rates of depression (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a,1998b, 2001; Marget, Gupta & Derevensky, 1999) and anxiety (Ste-Marie, Derevensky & Gupta, 2002)

Adolescent problem gamblers dissociate more frequently when gambling (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998b, 2001; Jacobs, Marsten & Singer, 1985)

Adolescents with gambling problems, ages 14-17, are at heightened risk for suicide ideation and suicide attempts (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a, Nower, Derevensky & Gupta, 1999, 2000)


While adolescents with gambling problems report having a support group, old friends are often replaced by gambling associates (Derevensky & Gupta, 2000; Gupta, 1999; Gupta & Derevensky, 2000)

Adolescent problem gamblers remain at increased risk for the development of an addiction or multiple addictions (Gupta & Derevensky,1998a,1998b, 2001; Kusyszyn, 1972; Lesieur & Klein, 1987; Winters & Anderson, 2000)

Adolescent problem gamblers score higher on excitability, extroversion, impulsive and anxiety & lower on conformity and self-discipline measures (Gupta & Derevensky,1997b,1998a, in press; Gupta, Ste-Marie & Derevensky, 2001; Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2003; Vitaro, Ferland, Jacques & Ladouceur, 1998)


Problem and pathological gambling have been shown to have experiences more major life events and early childhood traumas (Derevensky & Gupta, 2002; Gupta & Derevensky, 2001; Ladouceur & Mireault, 1988; Lesieur & Klein, 1987; Wynne et al., 1996)

Gambling venues are easily accessible for underage youth (Felsher, Derevensky & Gupta, 2004; Griffiths, 1998)

Problem and pathological gambling has been shown to result in increased delinquency and crime, disruption of familial relationships and decreased academic performance (Derevensky & Gupta, 1999, Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a, 2000; Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2003; Ladouceur & Mireault, 1988; Lesieur & Klein, 1987; Wynne et al., 1996)

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Adolescent problem and pathological gamblers have been shown to score lower on a measure of resiliency in light of risk factors (Lussier, Derevensky & Gupta, 2004, in press)

Adolescents with gambling problems are more likely to have parents with either a gambling problem or some other form of mental health or substance abuse (Abbott et al., 2004;Derevensky, in press; Potenza et al., 2004)


Adolescent problem and pathological gamblers display significant cognitive distortions compared to peers when gambling (Baboushkin, Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2001; Felsher, Derevensky & Gupta, 2004; Ladouceur & Walker, 1996; Toneatto, 1999)

Most adolescents view gambling as a socially acceptable and enjoyable form of entertainment, significantly less harmful than alcohol, drugs or cigarettes (Dickson, Derevensky & Gupta, 2002)

While adolescent problem gamblers are aware of the risks associated with gambling the immediacy of the rewards maintains their gambling behavior(Gillespie, Derevensky & Gupta, 2005)


ProblemGambling

Chase Losses

Truancy/Delinquency

Stealing Money

Lying about

Gambling

Preference for

Gambling

Gamble to Escape

Gambling Problems

Family/Peer

Problems


Consequences of problem gambling


Similarities between youth and adult problem gamblers

Pervasiveness of the problemSimilar reasons for reporting gamblingLying, stealing, cheatingIllusion of control (Irrational cognitions and thinking)Preoccupation with thoughts of gamblingHigh suicide ideation and attemptsChasing behaviorGambling as a means of escape/dissociationDepression/AnxietyMissing of work and/or schoolLoss of friends and changes in social support

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Profile of the adolescent problem gambler

Predominantly maleSignificant anxietyFamilial problems and poor peer relationshipsPreoccupation with gambling- reported inability to stop despite repeated effortsVLT, sports betting, cardsSerious financial difficultiesFailure in school and/or at workLying to family and friends


Profile - continued

Friends usually have similar gambling problemsStealing from family, friends, stores, bank fraud, etc.Depression or “feeling dead inside”Gambling to escape and to feel betterGeneral lack of effective coping abilities and problem solving skillsConfused and conflicted about whether they really want to stop gamblingNeed for arousal or strong sensations


Some concerns ……………...


Interactive CD ROMS

Played on the computer

Appears as an arcade game

Provides an illusion of control

Increases the play value of a ticket

International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors

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Internet gambling…


Internet Gambling

Provides a form of entertainmentEnhances levels of excitement and arousalProvides an opportunity to win moneyAllows individuals to lie about their ageAllows underage youth to gamble on prohibited activitiesReinforcement schedules are quick


Internet GamblingOffers free games and trial (practice) sitesIncorporates video-game technologyReward and loyalty programsInitial deposit bonusesBettor’s InsuranceGraphics add to the excitement of the gamePerceived elements of skillConvenience and ease of access


Internet Use

In Canada, 99% of youth age 9-17 (N=5,682), reported use of Internet, 79% have Internet access at home (Media Awareness Network, 2001)

40% of high school and 62% of elementary school students play games on the Internet (Media Awareness Network, 2001)


Internet GamblingEarly study suggests that 25% of young people with serious gambling problems and 20% of those at-risk for a gambling problem have used ‘trial sites’ (Hardoon, Derevensky & Gupta, 2002)

In the U.S., 1.9% of college students (N= 10,765) (119 colleges) used Internet gambling a few times per month, .3% monthly, .3% weekly (LaBrie, Shaffer, Laplante & Wechsler, 2003)

High acceptance of Internet gamblingMisleading and provocative advertisementsLarge number of sports sitesCapitalize on use of celebrities

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Internet gambling: Some recent results(Derevensky, Byrne, & Gupta, 2004)

Frequency of Play on Internet Gambling Sites Without Moneyin the Past 12 Months by Gambling Severity

50.949.1Total

19.480.6n = 72Probable Pathological Gambler

25.674.4n = 129At-Risk Gambler

43.456.6n = 1278Social Gambler

66.133.9n = 726Non Gambler

Gambling Groups***

No(n = 1123)

Yes(n = 1082)

Internet Gambling Without Money1

N = 2205

1Percentage. ***p<.001.

Frequency of Play on Internet Gambling Sites With Moneyin the Past 12 Months by Gambling Severity

92.08.0Total

65.334.7n = 75Probable Pathological Gambler

78.421.6n = 139At-Risk Gambler

90.59.5n = 1333Social Gambler

1000n = 745Non Gambler

Gambling Groups***

No(n = 2109)

Yes(n = 183)

Internet Gambling With Money1

N = 2292

1Percentage. ***p<.001.

Average Amount of Money Spent on Internet Gambling in the Last 12 Months by Gambling Severity

10.71.31.386.6n = 75Probable PathologicalGambler

1.42.2096.5n = 139At-RiskGambler

0.10.40.698.9n = 1332SocialGambler

Gambling***Groups

> $500$100-$500$50-$100< $50

Amount of Money SpentN=2291

1Percentage.

Types of Internet Gambling Activities by Gambling Group

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Roulette Blackjack SportsBetting

Slotmachines

Cards Maj Jong StockMarket

Games

Freq

uenc

y %

Social Gambler

At-Risk Gambler

Probable Pathological


The poker craze…….

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Adolescent poker playing (Peterson, 2004)

Participants461 (205 male; 256 female) adolescents (age 14-18) in three different states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio)

Results

55.1% of adolescents reported playing poker67.8% play poker for money 82.4% watch poker on television

3% play daily 7.8% play 2-6 times a week 13.7% play once a week30.6% play once a month


82.4% watch poker on television

2.8% watch poker daily6.9% watch poker 2-6 times a week15.4% watch poker once a week 20.8% watch poker once a month

45% reported having never been informed of the potential dangers associated with gambling

2% of the participants reported they may have a problem with gambling

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Trends

Gambling as a primary form of entertainment

Gambling as the new rite of passage into adulthood

Gambling as a family activity

An increase in technologically based gambling

General perception that gambling is a relatively harmless activity

Gambling venues youth gambling


Problem gambling is becoming a public policy & public health concern

Youth gambling remains a serious concern

Youth age 18-25 viewed as a high-risk group (Ladouceur, 2001)

Adult studies reveal 8-12 years from onset to pathological gambling; youth much quicker


28% of adults in counseling reported gambling regularly before age 18 (Australian Productivity Commission, 1999)

Issues surrounding youth gambling have remained largely ignored due to its lack of visibility

Need to make parents, educators, mental health professionals and legislators aware of the problem


Growing acknowledgement that all problem gamblers are not the same and that there may be different pathways which require different treatment strategies (Blaszczynski& Nower, 2002; Nower & Blaszczynski, 2004)

Need for prevention programs (Derevensky, Gupta, Dickson & Deguire, 2004)

Current Prevention Efforts


Brochure targeting adolescents

Educate teenagers on the risks involved in gambling

Challenge certain myths about gambling

Includes a self-evaluation questionnaire and centre’s coordinates to get help

Distributed upon request and schools visited

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Posters for schools“The true colors of gambling”

Self-evaluation questionnaire

Raise awareness about youth gambling problems in the schools

Distributed to every high-school in the province, upon request, and into schools visited.

“The true colors of gambling”


Raise awareness and provide coordinates for assistance

Mouse pads for school psychologists and counsellors


Screening cards for teenagers

Self-evaluation

Try to ensure students retain our coordinates


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• Identifying personal risk and attitudes toward gambling

• Distinguishing responsible gambling behaviors

• Illusion of control + personal risk characteristics = risk for the development of a gambling problem

• Superstitious behaviors• Knowing oneself and

establishing limits• Information on self-

screening and how to get help


• Importance of having a positive self-image

• Importance of friends as potential models

• Many people influence us but we are still responsible for our own decisions

• Peer pressure and how to resist by evaluating potential consequences

• Concerns re: transition to high school are addressed


Two levels: elementary and secondarySelf-administered but supervised by teacher (teacher manual included)Information and educationRaising awareness in children and adolescents about the risks involved in gamblingInstructor’s manual

CD-ROM


Workshops - schoolsElementary and High-School levelHighly Interactive ► Targeted intervention

Themes: Gambling definition, at-riskpeople, chance and independance ofevents, addiction, warning signs, help resources, stress management, coping, problem-solving skills, etcRequested by schools


Drug addiction Gambling addiction

Can’t think of anything else but doing drugsNeed more and more to maintain a highWill do drugs at any costCan’t stop even if they want toLying and stealing in order to keep doing drugsDrugs help them escape life’s problems..allows them to forget.Consequences: failing grades, problems with friends and family, risk of ending up in a detention center or jail.

Can’t think of anything else but gambling Will gamble at any costNeed to gamble more and more $ to maintain a highCan’t stop even if they want toLying and stealing in order to keep gamblingGambling help them escape life’s problems..allows them to forget.Consequences: failing grades, problems with friends and family, risk of ending up in a detention center or jail.

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Other initiatives…

Presentations/ConferencesVideosBoard game Booths Editorials/Newsletter

Let’s talk preventionInternet


Social Policy Implications


Effective social policies should include…

…science-based prevention models…understanding of multiple pathways …effective treatment models (Best Practices)…enforcement of current statutes prohibiting underage gambling


…monitoring of games/advertising toward youth (licensed products e.g., Betty Boop, NASCAR, Treasure Tower)

…additional research examining the underlying risk and protective factors…longitudinal research…better instrumentation to assess severity of gambling problems


Children are strongly influenced by advertisements. The industry needs to be responsible and reduce the glamorization of gambling

Just as there are advocates for responsible advertisement of alcohol and tobacco, we need monitoring of gambling advertisements

The need for responsible advertising


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Enforcement of laws

Need for stricter penalties and substantial fines for those who allow youth to have access to legalized gambling activities


Gambling…..the silent addiction

Documents

Youth gambling: Some critical Gambling as a high risk ... · Youth gambling: Some critical issues and a cause for concern ... Derevensky, & Gupta (2002). International Centre for