Struggling with Gambling Addiction? Support is Available.
If you or someone you know is battling gambling addiction, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) or Gamblers Anonymous. For immediate support call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Crucial Role of Friends and Family in Managing Gambling
Gambling is an activity, deeply ingrained in human culture across the globe, serving both as a form of leisure and, at times, a source of concern. While it presents itself as an engaging pastime, the transition from a harmless hobby to a compulsive need can occur swiftly, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
The complexity of gambling disorder, recognized as an addictive behavior in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), lies in its persistent nature, often leading to detrimental impacts on personal, relational, vocational, and financial aspects of life.
The Rise of Gambling Disorders Among Adolescents
Adolescence represents a critical period marked by biological and psychological transformations, heightening vulnerability to addictive behaviors. This vulnerability, coupled with the widespread accessibility and aggressive marketing of gambling opportunities, has led to an alarming rise in gambling activities among the youth.
The scientific community now acknowledges gambling as one of the predominant addictive behaviors in adolescents, prompting a call to action for both families and educational institutions to foster a culture of responsible gambling.
Strategies for Prevention and Support
Families and educators play pivotal roles in guiding adolescents through the potential minefield of gambling addiction. Here are comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating the risks and fostering a supportive environment:
- Embrace the Digital Age
- Recognize the internet as an integral aspect of youth leisure.
- Advocate for responsible and controlled internet usage.
- Implement parental controls and filtering solutions to restrict access to online gambling sites.
- Set Clear Guidelines
- Establish rules around internet connectivity and the use of electronic devices, tailored to the individual's age, maturity, and lifestyle.
- Foster Open Communication
- Create spaces for open dialogue where adolescents can freely express themselves.
- Educate on the risks associated with gambling, emphasizing that it is not a viable source of income.
- Be a Role Model
- Exhibit responsible behavior, particularly in the context of gambling, to serve as a positive role model for young individuals.
- Promote Alternative Leisure Activities
- Encourage engagement in screen-free leisure activities, such as outdoor sports and creative pursuits.
- Educate on the value of boredom tolerance, reducing overreliance on electronic devices for entertainment.
- Discourage Electronic Devices as Emotional Crutches
- Avoid using electronic devices as a means to soothe or distract from negative emotions, preventing their role as emotional regulators.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
Educating both the youth and adults about the dangers and ethical considerations of gambling is essential. This education can take many forms, from formal discussions in educational settings to informal conversations at home. The goal is to build a foundation of knowledge that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about gambling activities.
Conclusion
Tackling problem gambling, especially among adolescents, requires a concerted effort from families, educators, and the wider community.
By promoting healthy leisure alternatives, fostering open communication, and setting appropriate boundaries around digital consumption, we can create a supportive environment that mitigates the risks associated with gambling disorders.
As we navigate this challenge, it is crucial to remember that education and awareness are our most powerful tools in preventing gambling from evolving into a problematic behavior.
References
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Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.
In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.
Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.
At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research.
Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
