Visitor Questions, Staff Answers, and Interesting Stories ::

The questions/answers and stories listed below were chosen by our staff because they reflect problems and/or situations common to many adolescents today.  We hope that something you read here - maybe an inspiring story from another teen or a suggested solution to a problem, maybe a problem just like your - will be the help you need.

Thanks for visiting and participating in this forum.  Remember, you can make a difference; in your life and the life of others.

	How do I know if i have a gambling problem?
	Several years ago, each parrish in Louisiana voted on whether to keep video poker or outlaw it. I was wondering if those results were permanent or if it will be possible to totally outlaw video poker all over the state. Thanks, JM
	My children's grammar school allows children to play 'Hi-Lo" at the school fair. The average age of most of the players is 13, with an age range of 9-16. I didn't see anyone over that age playing the game the entire weekend. One of our fourth-graders lost $200 during a three hour span. How do I get the principal and the pastor to "WAKE UP?" I suggested we might as well sell kiddie-cups of beer, and "smokeless" cigarettes.
	Hi there, Its Hayden Smith and im doing an assignment of the effect that gambling has on todays youth and public in general. I would really appreciate it if you could provide comprehensive answers to the following questions. 1)Is there a particular ethnicity that poses the largest threat as far as gambling problems go and is there an established reason for this? 2)What is the age range that gambling is associated with? 3)Does gambling have a long term affect on its host? 4)Is a gambler able to be treated? 5)What does the average gambler spend on bets per week? 6)Are there currently any preventative actions been taken to stop gambling? Thank you very much for your time. Hayden Smith
	My sister has a serious gambling problem and would like to start a gamblers ann. meeting in her home and would like to know how to begin, there is nowhere in this county for this. Thank You. Mickie Hughes
	I have a friend that gambles all the time. What can i do?
	What are the federal punishments given to people caught for underage gambling? How can these underage gamblers be caught?

How do I know if i have a gambling problem?

See a qualified counselor or call any of the 800 numbers listed on the "Need Help? page.


Several years ago, each parrish in Louisiana voted on whether to keep video poker or outlaw it. I was wondering if those results were permanent or if it will be possible to totally outlaw video poker all over the state. Thanks, JM

JM, thanks for the question. According to Judy Smith at the State Library, "An individual parish can wipe it out entirely and a Constitutional amendment (legislature =2/3 vote + citizen vote) could wipe it and any other form of gaming out entirely."


My children's grammar school allows children to play 'Hi-Lo" at the school fair. The average age of most of the players is 13, with an age range of 9-16. I didn't see anyone over that age playing the game the entire weekend. One of our fourth-graders lost $200 during a three hour span. How do I get the principal and the pastor to "WAKE UP?" I suggested we might as well sell kiddie-cups of beer, and "smokeless" cigarettes.

I think just bringing this problem to their attention will help. You may want to encourage them to do some research on the problem. You can begin by reviewing this web site and others.


Hi there, Its Hayden Smith and im doing an assignment of the effect that gambling has on todays youth and public in general. I would really appreciate it if you could provide comprehensive answers to the following questions. 1)Is there a particular ethnicity that poses the largest threat as far as gambling problems go and is there an established reason for this? 2)What is the age range that gambling is associated with? 3)Does gambling have a long term affect on its host? 4)Is a gambler able to be treated? 5)What does the average gambler spend on bets per week? 6)Are there currently any preventative actions been taken to stop gambling? Thank you very much for your time. Hayden Smith

Hayden, you asked a lot of questions which need to researched more fully on your part. Please go to your local library for assistance or use your own computer to search this site and others for answers.


My sister has a serious gambling problem and would like to start a gamblers ann. meeting in her home and would like to know how to begin, there is nowhere in this county for this. Thank You. Mickie Hughes

That's a great idea. See the Gamblers Anonymous website at www.gamblersanonymous.org for information on how to start a group.


I have a friend that gambles all the time. What can i do?

Contact the Problem Gamblers' Helpline at 1-877-770-STOP.


What are the federal punishments given to people caught for underage gambling? How can these underage gamblers be caught?

This depends on the specific crimes comitted. Can you research that for me?

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