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Experts Say Scratch-Off Tickets As Holiday Gifts Could Cause Gambling Problems In Youth

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) are saying some popular holiday gifts, such as lottery and scratch-off tickets, should not be given to recipients under 18. Eric Preuss, a part off the IDPH Office of Problem Gambling Treatment and Prevention says, “Studies tell us that an ‘early, big win’ can start a young person on a path to a gambling disorder. Research tells us that the sooner a child begins to gamble, the more likely he or she is to develop problem gambling later in life.” He adds that the potential for a betting addiction is just not worth taking that chance. A study from McGill University in Montreal, Canada found up to 80 percent of adolescents have gambled in the last year and 30 percent on a weekly basis. Research points to sports, the lottery, card games and games of skill as the primary types of teen betting. Youth gambling addiction is generally characterized by pride in wins or lies about losses, withdraw from family and friends, sudden increased interest in sporting events and personal items going missing. Help for people or families affected by gambling is available by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF. More information is available online by following the link included below this story.

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www.yourlifeiowa.org

 

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