Gambling Linked to Use of Alcohol, Cigarettes, Cannabis in Teenagers

High prevalence of gambling among teenagers is linked to 'risk-taking behavior' such as use of alcohol, cigarettes, or cannabis, revealed a new study conducted in Italy.

"The high prevalence of gambling and its association with substance use provides further evidence of the need for a greater awareness of gambling behavior in early adolescence," said Alessandra Buja from the University of Padova, Italy.

‘High prevalence of gambling among teenagers is linked to 'risk-taking behavior' such as use of alcohol, cigarettes, or cannabis. This suggests the need for a greater awareness of gambling behavior in early adolescence.’

The study, published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, included 1,325 sixth-to-eighth-graders from Italian schools participating in a program for the prevention of underage substance abuse.

The students answered questions about their experience with certain types of gambling: video poker, online betting, and 'scratch-and-win' cards.

They were also asked about their use of alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, and energy drinks.

The results suggested a high rate of gambling in this group of children and teens.

The study found that among eighth-graders, about 46% of boys and 35% of girls said that they were engaged in at least one sort of gambling.

Source: IANS