Local group targets youth gambling

BRiDGES Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has partnered with the New York Council on Problem Gambling to help prevent underage gambling.

YOU(th) Decide in Madison County representatives said that among New York state youths ages 12-17, al- most 40 percent have gambled in the past year with 30 percent of those children starting around age 10 or younger.

Children who gambled reported higher past-30- day rates of alcohol use, marijuana use, energy drink usage, and incidents of being drunk than nongamblers, according to an Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services 2014-15 Youth Development Survey..

The top games of choice for gamblers were playing the Lottery, lotto scratch offs, betting money on raffles or charity games and betting money on sports.

Underage gambling brings with it a number of negative consequences and can be devastating to the children’s family and friends, according to OASAS research. The younger an adolescent begins gambling, the more likely they are to develop an addiction.

Youths who gamble are also more likely than their non-gambling peers to develop mental health issues including depression and alcohol or substance abuse disorders, to attempt sui- cide and to maintain poor general health, the research shows.

There is not just one strategy that will on its own prevent underage gambling, but a variety of strategies are developed to prevent and de-normalize under age gambling, according to BRiDGES.

Those looking to learn more about YOU(th) Decide, or would like to get involved can contact BRiDGES at 315-697-3947