Number of Kids Gambling Decreases But Risk From Free Play Still High

According to a recent study sponsored by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)., kids gambling on the internet have sharply decreased, kids buying lotto tickets have plummeted, and kids tend to play free versions of games (poker, blackjack, etc) than for-money versions. But Oregon says, "Beware!"

"One of every 20 Oregon adolescents may be a problem or at-risk gambler, and many youngsters are being drawn to free gambling-type games on the Internet, according to a recent study sponsored by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)," according to the South Lincoln County News out of Oregon.

But, reality lurks only five paragraphs below in their published article

"Despite the increase in (free) Internet play, gambling among Oregon 12 to 17 year olds has declined significantly in the past decade, primarily due to a change in attitudes about young people and gambling."

According to Oregon's definition, a "problem gambler" includes people who do not actually play for money. Based on this definition, Does Oregon assume that any game that can be played for money - golf, for example - predisposes an individual to "problem gambling", even if they never play for money?

This is like suggesting that anyone who ever consumed a beverage with their mouth is "at-risk" for alcoholism, or that anyone who ever got a shot in the arm is at risk for intravenous drug abuse.

Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher