Monday, December 10, 2007

Article: "Gambling: no longer an adult hobby"

Sunday, December 9, 2007 4:31 AM PST
Gambling: no longer an adult hobby

By JESSICA KELLER (Ontario) Argus Observer [Read the full article here.]

ONTARIO - What are your children doing in their spare time?While typically considered an adult activity in the past, gambling is spreading to the younger age set, and the dangers of gambling are no longer just an adult concern.

Andrea Lockner, Lifeways prevention coordinator for Malheur County, said research and societal factors indicate more youth and teenagers are either gambling or becoming more susceptible to developing gambling problems earlier, making youth gambling awareness more important.

Children and teenagers are introduced to gambling every day, Lockner said, through teasers on the Internet to watching television. Poker has become the equivalent of a sport through broadcasts of poker tournaments on television channels, such as ESPN, and children see that and their perceptions of gambling can change. Lockner said she has even heard children say they want to become professional poker players when they grow up.

“For me, I think that was a whoa. That was surprising,” Lockner said...

[Read the remainder of article here.]

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