Adolescent gambling

Abstract

This chapter examines the nature and prevalence of adolescent gambling, its social and psychological correlates, and the extent to which gambling can contribute to problematic behavior and harm. Adult gambling patterns are often established during the teenage years and this is particularly true for boys. Some young people display many of the behaviors indicative of pathological gambling, which may place them at greater risk of subsequent adult gambling problems. Adolescent problem gambling is often a correlate of engagement in other high-risk activities and often correlates with poorer psychosocial outcomes. Behavioral approaches to treating problems associated with gambling focus on the assessment of the level of gambling intensity (baseline assessment), identifying the triggers that activate urges, and what factors might serve to maintain or reinforce the behavior. Cognitive approaches are often utilized in combination with behavioral approaches as part of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).