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Teens and gambling
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Do teens who engage in online gambling run the risk of becoming addicted? The answer is no crap shoot. Gambling among teens is becoming a growing problem and a concern among parents who question whether this “virtual” vice will become a lifetime compulsion.
The first question on the table is whether teens should be allowed to gamble at all? Is the pick up poker party less risky than online gaming? Is it easier to walk away from a table than to turn off the computer? A popular site, which is free, and is drawing a lot of attraction among young users is Centsports.com. The play money gambling site encourages a type of sports betting which in turn can lead teens to partake in real wagering. By not falling under the umbrella of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006, which prohibits the transfer of funds from a financial institution – banks, credit card companies, etc. – to an Internet gaming site, Centsports.com thereby eliminates the real money transfer making the gambling issue a non-issue. However the consequences can be costly.
Like Centsports.com, many gambling sites have disclaimers releasing them of liability – but who is at risk if a young teen takes his online experience to the next level, sets the stakes higher and finds himself out of his element. As parents we are
Despite the transfer of money, real betting is take place and teens are still at risk of a more serious pay to play gamble.
Step one is to set the rules on offline and online gambling.
Step two is to inform your teen about the seriousness of spending too much time on the computer, specifically certain sites, and the time spent at poker parties.
Step three is to be aware of the fine line between simple recreational gaming and becoming engulfed in an activity that could lead to addiction.
Kids are notorious risk takers but don’t let it become their livelihood.
Links to look at:
Articles on online gambling
http://www.afa.net/gambling/articles.asp
Teens and addiction
http://www.teendrugabuse.us/teen_addiction.html
Teen support
http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/getting_help/addictions.html
