Gambling Addiction
CHILDREN AT RISK

The National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling
&
National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion
POSITION ON
SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, YOUTH AND GAMBLING

ADOLESCENT COMPULSIVE GAMBLING IS
"THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC"
Ed Looney, Exec. Dir. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
People who start betting at an early age
have a higher risk of developing a
gambling problem later in life.

In Oregon, 19% of youths ages 13 to 17
reported having gambled in a casino.

Several studies have shown that
pathological gambling is associated with
alcohol and drug use, truancy, low grades
and illegal activities to finance gambling.

A study presented to the commission by Louisiana State University Professor James Westphal also drew a link between compulsive gambling and criminal behavior among youth.

National Gambling Impact Study Commission

Average age of children's first gambling experience is 11,
more children gamble than use drugs or alcohol.
Harvard Medical School's Division on Addictions
A Gateway Behavior?

YOUTH ARE FOUR (4) TIMES THE RISK OF ADULTS FOR DEVELOPING PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING.
Dr. Ken Winters, University of Minnesota
ADOLESCENT COMPULSIVE GAMBLING
The Hidden Epidemic
Students who live close to casinos are more prone to gambling addiction
Michael Frank, Prof. of Psychology, Richard Stockton College, NJ
The Associated Press 04/17/98
CASINOS NEAR SCHOOLS WILL
  • cause many of our children to become gambling addicts at a young age into adulthood
  • increase school dropouts and indifference to education
  • cause stealing from family, friends, businesses, shop lifting, prostitution and selling drugs to obtain more money
  • cause severe mood swings and lying
  • cause more youth suicides
  • bring the loan sharks and drug dealers to local schools and shopping centers to help the kids obtain more gambling dollars
  • cause youths to sneak into casinos for bigger wins and excitement

CASINOS MARKET TO CHILDREN
Sen. John McCain - Ralph Nader- Kay James - James Dobson