Teen-Aged Gambling in the U.S. and Canada - Report Example

SOCI 1301 Teen-Aged Gambling in the U.S. and in Canada At the onset, one could perceive that understanding the nature and effects of gambling is simple and straightforward. A quick look at the dictionary would reveal that gambling is defined as “to play a game for money or property; to bet on an uncertain outcome; or to stake something on a contingency: take a chance” (Merriam-Webster, Inc.). A closer evaluation of the term, however, would make one realize that there is more to gambling than what meets the eye. For one, there are different categories or classification of gambling which includes differentiating between problem gambling, compulsory gambling, recreational gambling or even disordered gambling. Problem gambling was defined as “essentially a behavior that will present in varying degrees and forms. That is, gambling involvement rests on a continuum from occasional non-problematic use through to extreme over-involvement, with a host of related problems that may be accompanied by a sense of impaired control” (Dickerson 319). Suffice is to say, gambling is clearly a deviant behavior and its comparative overview relating to teen-agers being lured into gambling would be expounded in the current paper as it is seen in the United States and in Canada. Teen-Aged Gambling in the United States . According to the National Survey on Problem Gambling, “a number of states allow children under 18 to gamble, and youth also participate in illegal forms of gambling, such as gambling on the Internet or betting on sports. Therefore, it is not surprising that research shows that a vast majority of kids have gambled before their 18th birthday, and that children may be more likely to develop problems related to gambling than adults” (National Council on Problem Gambling 1). Statistics of the problem was revealed from the article written by Rodgers (2009) entitled Gambling in America where it was disclosed that “the fastest growing “addiction” among high school and college-age young people is problem gambling, with as much as seven percent or 1.3 million teens considered addicted” (Rodgers:Losing the Bet par. 2). Most of the teen-agers were reportedly found being addicted to playing online gambling games and poker games (Rodgers). From among the interesting facts related to underage and college gambling, the following are hereby cited: “Youth rates of being at-risk for problem gambling are 2 to 3 times higher than adult rates. Nearly all U.S. colleges and universities have policies on student alcohol use; however, only 22 % have a formal policy on gambling. Researchers estimate that 75% of college students gambled during the past year, whether legally or illegally. Approximately 6% of college students in the U.S have a serious gambling problem. The most frequently chosen gambling activity for college students is the lottery at 41%, followed by card games at 38%, and sports betting at 23%” (National Council on Problem Gambling) Teen-Aged Gambling in Canada In an article published by CBC News, it was revealed that “35 per cent of Ontarios 15- to 17-year-olds are gambling for money, and that percentage is expected to double by the time they are 20” (par. 1). Likewise, the report written by Chambers (2012) indicated that “the Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario notes 45% of teens played poker in the past year, and 18% of teens worry about their friends’ poker playing, with 15% feeling poker is a problem at their school. Of Ontario students in Grades 7 to 12, 2.8% or 29,000 students reported having a gambling problem” (par. 7). In a research conducted by Messerlian, Byrne and Derevensky, the extent of the problem on underage gambling in Canada was indicated to have revealed that “between 4–8% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 have a very serious gambling problem, while another 10–15% are at-risk for developing a gambling problem” (Messerlian, Byrne and Derevensky: Introduction par. 2). Comparative Analysis Initially, both the legal age for gambling in the US and in Canada range from between 18 to 21 years old (Rose). However, researches and studies on underage gambling in both the US and Canada have proven that underage gambling had been rampant and have contributed to significant percentages of the adolescent population at risk for developing serious gambling problems. Both countries have reported significant percentage of the teen-age population being lured to problem gambling through the game of poker and online gambling games due to the prolific use and easy access to gambling sites in the Internet (Chambers; Rodgers). In the United States, the sanctions for underaged youths found to indulge in illegal gambling would be subject to serving time in juvenile courts and casinos to be appropriately fined with risk of losing their licenses (Harrahs Entertainment, Inc.). The same sanctions are reported to be implemented in Canada, as disclosed: “casino operators have taken the issue more seriously as fines levied for underage gambling have been significant in the United States and Canada” (Derevensky, Gupta and Messerlian 245). Sociological Theories related to the Study of Underage Gambling Sociological theories which explain the increasing prevalence of this deviant behavior range from social acceptance of gambling initially as a form of entertainment without seriously looking at the potential dangers of being lured into problem gambling for the youths. As emphasized by Derevensky, Gupta and Messerlian, “with the acceptance of gambling as a socially acceptable form of entertainment, the lure of gambling for adolescents and the widespread proliferation of gambling venues the social impact and potential negative consequences appear to have been largely ignored or discounted” (248). As various researches have likewise revealed, the influence of parents in enforcing stricter rules regarding underage gambling is crucial for its prevention. As emphasized in sociological theories, the family is the basic unit of society and initial education encompassing moral and ethical standards and codes of conduct are expected to be provided primarily by parents. Secondarily, educating the youths on effects of underage gambling must be provided by teachers and “law enforcement officials should consistently enforce gaming laws and mete out appropriate punishments for underage gamers” (Harrahs Entertainment, Inc.). Finally, Derevensky, et al. have stressed that “regulatory bodies need to be active and sensitive to emerging social issues related to problem gambling. Such social issues may result from technological advances, changing patterns of behavior, and advances in our knowledge. Regulatory bodies must maintain as their primary responsibility to protect the public” (246-247). In sum, finding an appropraite and effective solution to teen-age gambling must be an integrative and collaborative effort between basis units of society, from the family, school, community, and government agencies to ensure that the suggested measures and policies to prevent the dilemma would be multi-faceted, comprehensive and supportive. Works Cited CBC News. "Ontario teenagers gambling as early as age 15: survey." 25 January 2007. Web. 31 July 2012 . Chambers, John. "Youth gambling threatens to lead to adult addiction." 14 May 2012. Web. 31 July 2012 . Derevensky, J.L., et al. "Youth Gambling Problems: A Need for Responsible Social Policy." n.d. Web. 31 July 2012 . Dickerson, M. "Internal and deteminants of persistent gambling: Implications for treatment." Heather, N., W.R. Miller and J. Greeley. Self-Control and the Adaptive Behaviors. Sydney: Maxwell Macmillan, 1991. 318-338. Harrahs Entertainment, Inc. "Underage Gambling." 2000. Web. 31 July 2012 . Merriam-Webster, Inc. "Gambling." 2012. Web. 31 July 2012 . Messerlian, C., A.M. Byrne and J.L. Derevensky. "Gambling, Youth and the Internet: Should We Be Concerned?" Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2004): 13(1): 3–6. . National Council on Problem Gambling. "College Gambling Facts and Statistics." n.d. Web. 31 July 2012 . —. "FAQs - Problem Gamblers." n.d. 31 July 2012 . Rodgers, Rex M. "Gambling in America." 17 April 2009. Christian Research Institute. 31 July 2012 . Rose, I. Nelson. "Minimum Legal Age to Place a Bet." 27 April 2001. gamblelegal.com. 31 July 2012 . Read More