Sept. 29, 2007 12:00 AM | ArizonaCentral.com | full article here
A state Department of Gaming report released this week shows that Arizona Indian casinos grossed nearly $2 billion in the past fiscal year.
The state gets a chunk of the money and some, interestingly, now is going to programs to treat teen gambling addictions.
Teenagers aren't legally allowed to enter Arizona casinos or buy lottery tickets. But that does not stop them from betting with friends on sports or card games. Some even find ways to scratch lottery tickets regularly.
So what's the harm?
Studies have shown that the younger someone starts gambling, the easier it is to get addicted, said Rick Pyper, director of the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling.
His office received $1.8 million from gaming tribes in the past year for gambling treatment and prevention. "Most people who gamble do not develop a gambling disorder," Pyper said.
"However, some studies suggest that the earlier people begin gambling the more likely it is they may develop a problem later in life. Some teens are attracted by what they see on TV, where gambling programs have become more common."
A 2006 survey of Arizona students by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission indicates that 61 percent of eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders had gambled at some point.
Of those, 14 percent had played the lottery; 13.7 percent had bet money on cards; 13.4 percent had bet on team sports; 2 percent had gambled on the Internet; and 1.6 percent reported having bet at casinos.
Pyper said he is not aware of any studies that show how many Arizona teens have been diagnosed with gambling addictions, but he would like to see more of those who have the problem get help.
Addiction warning signs include bragging about winning money, dropping out of other activities to spend time gambling and betting money that was supposed to go for lunch or other expenses. The state's help line: 1-800 NEXT STEP.
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