Are more teenagers becoming problem gamblers in New York state?

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by Change | 20 Jul 2010

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There are fears that the opening of the Saratoga Race Track will give rise to an increase in the number of teenage problem gamblers in the region.

Increasing numbers of teenagers in New York State could require gambling addiction support as the popularity of gambling continues to increase.

According to WAMC Northeast Public Radio, "the race is on" to prevent underage people in the state succumb to gambling, particularly with the opening of the Saratoga Race Track this week.

While no-one in New York state aged under 18 is allowed to bet on horse races, play slot machines or purchase lottery tickets, there are fears that the beginning of the race season could lead to a rise in the number of younger problem gamblers.

In a report, the radio station stated that a number of individuals "sidestep the safety nets" in order to gamble, with more teenagers in Saratoga County having gambled over the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, a poll devised by New York State's office of alcoholism and substance abuse services in 2008 discovered that almost half (48 per cent) of students in grades seven to 12 had gambled money over the course of the year.

According to the Good Gambling Guide, men are most likely to develop a gambling addiction at around 35 years of age, while for women it is 45.

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