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A serious concern to everyone, from the gaming industry to law enforcement, is the is the prevalence of unauthorized/illegal access to gaming equipment or gambling establishments for underage gamblers. A recent study by Louisiana State University Professor James Westphal surveyed 12,000 adolescents and found that 86% had gambled, including many on legal forms - 32% on lotteries, 24% on video poker, and 16% on slot machines, and one in ten had bet on horse or dog racing. Sixteen percent of respondents indicated problems with their gambling, including nearly 6% who met the criteria for pathological gambling.
In an example of serious consequences that can arise from underage gambling, his study further drew a link between compulsive gambling and criminal behavior among youth. Louisiana adolescents in juvenile detention are roughly four times as likely to have a serious gambling problem as their peers. Further, two-thirds of the juvenile problem gamblers in detention reported stealing to finance their gambling.
A state investigation in December 1999 attempted to pinpoint why Louisiana adolescent gambling averages are so high. The major finding was the ease in which minors gained access to various means of gambling, according to the Office for Addictive Disorders in the State Department of Health and Hospitals. A sting operation conducted by police last winter found that underage informants were able to board 10 of the state’s 13 gambling boats. Investigators conducted random, unannounced statewide inspections and found the following averages for underage access to gambling: 64 percent underage access to lottery tickets, 59 percent to video poker and 10 percent to casinos.
Clearly there is a problem, not only in Louisiana but across our country. This problem must be addressed. This web site, has been created for young people to learn about gambling, the facts, the consequences that can arise from it, and how to recognize if they are someone they know may have a problem, and if so how to receive help. In the process, we hope you have a little fun while you're here. |
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