Young Adults' Gambling Addiction Study: Early Exposure to Betting
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Jun 27, 2024
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05:26 p.m.
ET
Problem Gambling continues to be an increasing issue across the country, and a recent study has found that it is a new concern that is developing early on in some individuals’ lives. Based on surveys conducted by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) and Seton Hall University, 79% of young adults aged 16-25 have begun gambling before turning 21, which is the legal age in the majority of the country. Furthermore, developing a gambling problem is more likely in adolescents (6-8%) in comparison to adults (1-2%).
Young Adult Problem Gambling rates & statistics
The focus of the research conducted by CCGNJ and Seton Hall focused on young adults, and rightfully so. The fact that they are more susceptible to problem gambling makes it of utmost concern, and the numbers speak to that.
Just like drugs and alcohol, gambling can lead to addiction, and according to Quit Gamble in January of 2024, the age group with the most gambling addicts is 18-24 (7.1%). Therefore, it’s no surprise that they also found that 75% of college students have gambled within the past 12 months.
Unfortunately, problem gambling is seen far too often even earlier, as 4-5% of young adults aged 12-17 years old showed signs of a gambling-related problem. That increased to 10-14% of high school students being at risk of developing gambling problems.
Early age exposure to gambling examined in study
An executive summary by CCGNJ demonstrated that a significant portion (43.3%) of young adults were first exposed to gambling between the ages of 11-16. For perspective, the majority of those young adults in that age range have yet to even finish middle school. Furthermore, 96.91% were exposed to gambling before the age of 23.
As you may imagine, there are also family influences at play. When gambling is a habit of parental figures, it trickles down to young adults. CCGNJ also found that those who begin gambling early on are more likely to develop Problem Gambling as an adult. Of those family influences that led to early exposure, fathers were the most likely to be the family member engaged in gambling (33%).
The organization’s Executive Director Felicia Grondin called the findings about the high rate of children and teenagers being exposed to gambling “very troubling and reflects New Jersey’s pro gambling culture, which increasingly normalizes betting. Family gambling traditions may seem benign, but they can lead to serious problems later in life. In addition, casino and sports betting advertising glamorizes gambling to appeal to youth and lure individuals to place bets. Research shows that when someone begins to gamble early in life, they are more apt to develop a gambling problem as an adult.”
Another alarming figure to note based on the CCGNJ research is the frequency at which bettors are gambling. Based on their survey, 48% gamble at least once per week, including 22% of which gamble three to four times per week.
Courtesy: CCGNJ
Efforts to provide education & resources for at-risk youth
Given all the problem gambling statistics revolving around young adults, it is important that efforts to help those at risk are in effect. CCGNJ is not only doing just that, but their education resources are there to help those under the age of 25 with bullying and substance abuse along with problem gambling.
Such a productive program that comes at no cost has assisted the push for new legislation that would require school districts to provide education in terms of the risks of Problem Gambling. This program seeks to help young adults avoid problem gambling while developing productive and beneficial life habits.
Gambling Addiction treatment for young adults
Along with CCGNJ’s education program, Birches Health is also available to help those either dealing with problem gambling or those who are at risk. That includes young adults, and the licensed professionals at Birches Health can help prevent those at risk early on along with those who are currently battling through problem gambling.
There are also multiple resources and care options from Birches Health:
Or if you prefer, you can call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in touch with the Birches Health team right away.
Resources:
207 Gambling Addiction Statistics & Facts 2024
Research Finds Alarming Level of Early First Exposure to Gambling - New Jersey Business Magazine
Family Influence on Youth/Young Adult Gambling Behavior & Attitudes Executive Summary 2024
NJ Council on Compulsive Gambling Helps At-Risk Teens - NJBIA
