Experts Warn of Lasting Psychological Impact of Youth Gambling Addiction

Marc Lefkowitz, an internationally certified gambling counselor with over 25 years of experience, is on a mission to assist today’s youth in overcoming gambling addiction. Having battled his own gambling problem in his twenties, he now draws from nearly four decades of abstinence to guide others.

“When I grew up, you were a degenerate if you gambled regularly,” Lefkowitz stated. “Now, it’s so socially acceptable.” This shift in perception can significantly influence young people’s attitudes toward gambling. Factors such as stress relief, academic pressures, and genetic predispositions contribute to the allure of gambling for young individuals.

As Lefkowitz explains, adolescent brain development plays a crucial role in this issue. “Teenagers’ brains develop their accelerators before their brakes,” he noted. This developmental pattern can lead to experimentation with risky behaviors, including gambling, before they fully comprehend the consequences.

Concerns about youth gambling have escalated in recent years. The Arizona Department of Gaming reveals that approximately four to five percent of individuals aged 12 to 17 meet the criteria for gambling problems. An additional 10 to 14 percent are regarded as “at-risk,” exhibiting early warning signs that could signal a future addiction.

While some cases of problem gambling may be isolated, broader patterns indicate that other risky behaviors often accompany youth gambling. Elise Mikkelsen, director of the Division of Problem Gambling for the Arizona Department of Gaming, stated, “There’s a correlation between gambling and children participating in other risky activities like underage drinking and drug use.”

Research shows that adolescents are two to four times more likely to develop gambling issues than adults. Lefkowitz attributes part of this statistic to the developmental psychology of teenagers, while also noting a trend among specific demographics, such as athletes, who may face immense peer pressure to engage in gambling.

The rise of sports betting advertisements has exacerbated the situation. Robert Daughenbaugh, a licensed independent addiction counselor in Phoenix, indicated that the legalization of sports betting has spurred widespread gambling advertising. “There are psychologists and psychiatrists working for advertising firms who tailor their advertising to reach certain niches of people, like sports bettors,” he said, highlighting the subtle messages aimed at youth in these promotions.

As gambling participation among young people grows, negative psychological effects are becoming increasingly apparent. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, early excessive gambling can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and financial distress, among other lasting repercussions.

Lefkowitz emphasizes that despite warnings regarding the risks, the appeal of gambling remains potent. “Gambling is the perfect way to self-medicate,” he explained, cautioning that many young people gamble while dealing with mental health challenges. Unlike substances like drugs or alcohol, gambling lacks a saturation point, allowing individuals to continue indefinitely until their funds are depleted.

For teenagers and young adults grappling with gambling addiction, seeking treatment early is paramount. Lefkowitz warns, “At the problem stage, you’re still a cucumber. Once you cross that line into disorder, you become a pickle, and you can’t be a cucumber anymore.” The urgency of addressing gambling issues swiftly cannot be overstated.