Gambling addiction an 'epidemic' among young people, experts say
Experts warn that gambling addiction is becoming an 'epidemic' among young people due to the pervasive influence of betting apps and advertising.Summary
A recent study by Common Sense Media reveals that 36% of boys aged 11 to 17 gambled in the previous year, with 49% encountering gambling content on social media. Experts, including James Steyer of Common Sense Media, argue that the saturation of gambling advertisements in sports and on social media platforms is making the activity seem normal to young people. The article highlights the addictive nature of these apps, citing the case of an eighth grader who became hooked on 'Stadium Live,' a prediction game that mimics sports betting. Pennsylvania's experience shows a sharp increase in juvenile gambling calls to the state's compulsive gambling council since the legalization of sports betting in 2018. Psychiatrists link the behavior to the immature reward systems of adolescents, comparing it to other forms of addiction. The article also discusses the industry's partnerships with sports leagues and celebrities, drawing parallels to the historical marketing of tobacco. State officials are beginning to address the issue through education campaigns and legislative proposals, but concerns remain about the long-term impact on young people's mental health and well-being. The piece concludes with a warning from a therapist who compares the current situation to the opioid epidemic, citing cases where gambling addiction has led to extreme behaviors, including a bomb hoax at a U.S. Open tennis match.
(Source：The Philadelphia Inquirer)