Gambling Amon Adolescents

Abstract

Gambling onset during adolescence has been the subject of recent articles in the lay press. This study reports on the incidence of gambling in adolescents. There were 97 males (48.7%) and 102 females (51.3%) between the ages of 12 and 18 years. The mean age of the gamblers was 15.12 ± 1.83 (SEM), and of the nongamblers 14.36 ± 1.78. Eighty-three percent of the males and 61 % of the females reported gambling. Forty-four percent of those who gambled, but only 26% of the nongamblers, reported having at least one parent who gambled. Our study confirms the high incidence of gambling by teenagers. Of concern is the potential link between gambling and other risk-taking or addictive behaviors. Perhaps we should include gambling as part of our anticipatory guidance for adolescents.