The Rise of Online Gaming and Sports Betting: How it is Affecting Youth and Young Adults and What Communities Can do to Raise Awareness
Presented by Alison Wood, MSW, MPA
Youth and young adults are the fastest growing demographic in the online gambling world. A recent poll indicated that half of the parents who participated in the poll were not aware of their state’s legal age for online gambling, and one and six admit they probably wouldn’t know if their child was betting online. In fact, many parents and adult role models have little to no awareness that gambling can become an addiction like substance use disorder and are actively engaged in betting online with underage youth. Research indicates that children who bet by the age of 12 are four times more likely to develop a gambling problem down the road.
Gambling has become a major public health concern with the growth of online legal, illegal, and gray area gambling that is available 24/7. Many online social and video games have been noted as grooming platforms preparing youth for gambling. In fact, many youths will not know the difference between playing a social or video game and sports betting because of the similar persuasive design methods that are being utilized to keep people online and spending money.
Online sports betting went live in North Carolina in March. during March Madness and Problem Gambling Awareness Month, raising even more of a concern specifically with youth and young adult gambling behaviors. College campuses are being inundated with sports betting advertisements on social media reinforcing gambling myths and giving bettors a sense of control. This is creating an uptick in those young adults reaching out for treatment services. This one-hour workshop will provide information on the landscape of online sports betting, youth and young adult gambling behaviors, and ways to make an impact in your community.
Objectives:
1. Describe online sports betting and how it is impacting youth and young adults behaviors
2. Understand the connection between gambling advertising and gambling behaviors
3. Describe strategies to prevent youth problematic gambling behaviors
Register Here: https://apnc.memberclicks.net/training18june24
1 hour SS (EBT) approved by NCSAPPB
