Madness in March

Madness in March
Written by Ann Marie Linden

According to the NCAA, 92 percent of male college athletes reported that they started gambling in high school or earlier and were first introduced to wagering on sports by completing an NCAA tournament bracket or buying a Super Bowl square. Boys are four times more likely than girls to develop a problem with gambling because they have a higher interest in gambling activities and an unrealistic belief in their skill. Many adolescent boys believe that, because they know all the teams and players, they have an increased chance of winning their bets.

Anyone can develop a gambling problem — youth, seniors, male, female, wealthy, indigent. Seniors are especially vulnerable to problem gambling and sometimes risk their retirement money and life savings on compulsive gambling. Most adults can gamble in a recreational way and it does not become problematic. While betting on a tournament or football game does not automatically cause a problem or put someone on the path toward addiction, its popularity does create an imperative for education about responsible gambling behaviors.

Recently, a local high school principal commented that most of the fights between boys at his school are the result of money owed due to gambling debts. A counselor at another school in the county recently reported that one of her students talked about betting $1,000 on a playoff game the evening before. Many fathers who bet with their sons on the Super Bowl or this month's Final Four during "March Madness" may not even realize that the legal age to gamble in New York State is 18 and that most sports betting is illegal in our state.

The young brain

The most recent research shows that, because the adolescent brain is not fully developed, young people experience a more heightened experience of pleasure than adults when they are exposed to the excitement of gambling. Their brain chemistry may be altered, leaving them at risk for developing future addictions. The earlier young people begin to gamble, the greater their chances of developing a problem later on.

Online gambling is particularly risky because the rapid play and quick gratification make it more potentially addicting for adolescents. According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, chief medical editor for the NBC's "Today" Show, "when your brain is still developing, that reward path (the pleasure center of the brain) can become the pathway to addiction very fast."

What is the connection of gambling to other addictions? Youth gambling is associated with a variety of risk-taking behaviors, substance abuse, and even suicide. A New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services survey indicated that adolescent sports betting in Westchester County is higher than the state average. Substance use and abuse as well as a family history of addiction are highlighted as risk factors for developing a problem with gambling.

Most problem gamblers report that they began gambling between the ages of 10 and 12; in addition, they also state their earliest gambling experiences were with family members. What grandparent ever gave a second thought to sharing scratch-off tickets with their grandkids? What we need is more expansive education and prevention efforts that reach out to all the residents in our county — youth, parents, educators, professionals and seniors — to highlight the risks of problem gambling and what to do if you or a loved one needs help.

A bad wager
Student Assistance Services has the only problem gambling prevention and education program in Westchester County. This nonprofit organization has a strong presence in the middle and high schools, as well as in the community. Services provided include: prevention and education, evaluation, early intervention, and referral services to any young person, adult, or senior in the county who needs help. It is important for parents to become educated about this topic, model responsible gambling for their children, and know the warning signs of problem gambling behavior.

If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, he or she may lie or try to cover up how much time and money is spent on gambling activities or may often be borrowing or stealing money from family and friends. There may be an excessive focus on trying to win back losses or frequent discussion centered on sports or other gambling activities. Young people may also spend an inordinate amount of time on the computer, at all hours of the day and night, due to the easy access of online gambling.

How can it be a sound decision to expand opportunity without building in safeguards for our youth and other vulnerable populations? Would our Governor or legislators ever consider building new bridges and highways without installing guardrails for protection? Never! We all realize the burgeoning budget deficit has created hard times and requires difficult decisions. But this one makes no sense — fiscally or practically — nor does it protect our families and communities.

The writer is problem gambling prevention coordinator, Student Assistance Services Corporation.