Youth today are the first generation to grow up in an environment of legalized gambling. Be it a quick pick for a lottery ticket at the corner store or trying to parlay a winner's sheet of professional sports events through Pro Line, gambling, it seems, is everywhere.

Our governments see gambling as a source of revenue without taxation.

But as the number of sites and methods of gambling increase, so too do the problems associated with gambling.

It is no small coincidence that problem gambling among youth today is growing.

According to statistics provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, about 70 per cent of Canadian youth participate in some form of gambling. Research shows that 14 per cent of youth who gamble are categorized as problem gamblers, while about 4. 8 per cent are considered pathological gamblers.

The Timmins YMCA is well-aware of the growing trend in problem youth gambling.

Through the YMCA's youth-gambling program, more children and adults who work with children are learning about the dangers and frequency of children and youth becoming addicted to gambling away money and other items of value.

"You're two to four times more likely to see youth with a gambling problem than an adult with a gambling problem," YMCA youth-outreach worker Stacy Allarie told Daily Press reporter/photographer Chelsey Romain, adding youth usually have riskier behaviour with less monetary responsibility.

The program also offers a list of signs that could indicate a child is gambling, including spending more money than intended, being criticized about gambling habits, loss of interest in other activities, receiving bad grades in school, lying about habits and stealing to pay off debts, as well as mood swings based on wins and losses.

Like any other vice, there is nothing wrong with legalized gambling, provided it is done in moderation.

The Responsible Gambling Council of Ontario offers the following tips for youth, to keep gambling safe:

Gamble for entertainment only, not as a way to make money;

Set a spending limit for gambling and stick to it, don't use cash machines for additional money;

Never borrow money to gamble;

Never gamble money that is needed for everyday expenses;

Don't try to chase losses, accept them as an entertainment cost;

Set a limit on the amount of time spent on gambling; and

Take frequent breaks away from gambling.

There are many reasons people, young and old, enjoy gambling: Enjoyment, excitement, to make friends and for relaxation. According to recent federal research, however, youth problem gamblers are more likely to gamble to escape problems, unhappiness or loneliness than recreational gamblers.

In general, a lack of public awareness has led to an under-appreciation of the problem of youth gambling.

Peers, parents and others should be aware of the potential for a hobby to become an obsession for youth.

Failing to do so would be taking a big gamble with the future of our youth.

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