Should schools educate teens about risk in light of the growing popularity of legal gambling?

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Subheading 1: The Rise of Gambling Among Teens

Teen’s Monetization of Skills Leads to Gambling Addiction

In Atlantic City, N.J., a high school senior named Nick capitalized on his exceptional three-point shooting skills by engaging in competitions with his classmates, placing monetary bets on their shooting performances. Little did he know that this innocent activity would evolve into a severe gambling addiction, resulting in him losing over $700,000 over the past ten years. Now facing criminal charges, Nick recognizes the potential consequences of his actions, fearing the impact it may have on his future job prospects.

Pervasive Access to Gambling for Teens

Despite efforts to restrict underage gambling, the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting in 33 states, with three more states set to join, has facilitated easy access to gambling for both adults and minors. While measures such as age confirmation and identity checks aim to prevent underage participation, teenagers can bypass these restrictions by using a parent or relative’s account or by utilizing unregulated offshore betting sites, which often lack stringent age verification protocols. Additionally, some teenagers engage in high-stakes poker games, fueled by money provided by their parents.

Prevalence of Teen Gambling and Its Risks

Statistics from the National Council on Problem Gambling indicate that 60% to 80% of high school students have gambled for money within the past year, with 4% to 6% of these students considered at risk of developing a gambling problem. With such alarming figures, it is imperative to address the issue and educate teenagers about the potential pitfalls of gambling, particularly among those not yet of legal age.

Subheading 2: Towards Gambling Education in Schools

Efforts to Introduce Gambling Education in Public Schools

Recognizing the urgent need for preventative measures, some states are taking steps to incorporate gambling education into their public school curricula. Virginia, for instance, passed a law requiring schools to provide classes on gambling and its addictive potential. While the specific content of these courses is still being developed, this progressive approach aims to raise awareness among students about the potential risks associated with gambling, especially for those who are not yet legally permitted to participate.

Other States Considering Gambling Education

Following in Virginia’s footsteps, states like New Jersey and Michigan are also exploring the implementation of gambling education in their schools. Although similar legislation failed in Maryland and West Virginia in the past, there are indications that these states will renew their efforts to address this issue.

Comparable Impact to Other Preventative Education

Advocates for gambling risk education draw parallels to the significant reduction in drunk driving deaths achieved through widespread education on the subject. Keith Whyte, executive director of the problem gambling council, highlights the importance of comprehensive education on gambling risks, given the prevalence of betting apps among high school students.

Subheading 3: Diverse Forms of Teen Gambling

Beyond Traditional Gambling: The Influence of Online Gaming

Teen gambling extends beyond conventional forms and can manifest in various ways. For example, online games often include “loot boxes” that require real-money purchases to unlock rewards. This practice can normalize spending money to obtain virtual rewards, potentially influencing teenagers’ perception of gambling.

Urgency to Address Gambling in Educational Settings

Recognizing the need to address this issue comprehensively, experts argue that gambling education should be included alongside existing educational programs on alcohol, substances, and other safety topics. Lawmakers like Maryland state Sen. Bryan Simonaire have called for schools to take responsibility in helping individuals who may become addicted to gambling.

Industry Initiatives and Limitations

The American Gaming Association, the national trade group for the commercial casino industry, has adopted an advertising code of conduct to prevent gambling ads from primarily targeting children.