Prevalence rates of youth gambling problems: Are the current rates inflated?
Abstract
While there is a general consensus in the literature that it is common for youth to gamble, considerable variability in the reported prevalence rates of youth problem gambling has been found. More recently, issues concerning the possible overestimation of these rates have been raised. Arguments underlying the proposition that problem gambling rates for youth are inflated are examined. It is acknowledged that more rigorous research is required, including the need for the development and refinement of current adolescent instruments and screening tools, agreement upon a gold standard criterion for adolescent problem gambling, and clarity of nomenclature issues. The advancement of scientific knowledge concerning the underlying risk factors associated with the onset and course of youth gambling involvement and the role of effective adolescent prevention and treatment programs will require these fundamental research questions to be addressed.
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Adult gambling problems can emerge from patterns developed in childhood and adolescence.
“Moreover, adult gambling problems can emerge from patterns developed in childhood and adolescence (Derevensky et al., 2003).”
From Early risk and protective factors for problem gambling: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies (2017) · cites this paper as Derevensky et al., 2003
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- Authors
- Derevensky, J. L., Gupta, R., & Winters, K.
- Affiliations
- McGill University (CA)
- University of Minnesota (US)
- Corresponding author
- Derevensky, Jeffrey L.
- Venue
- Journal of Gambling Studies
- Published
- 2003-12
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 405-425
- ISSN
- 1050-5350 (ISSN-L)
- 1573-3602
- OpenAlex
- W1495132905
- Cited by
- 182
- References
- 52
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 14 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 11
- FWCI
- 16.72
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Gambling Studies (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Center for Responsible Gaming
- Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre
- National Institutes of Health
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
- Keywords
- prevalence rates, prevalence overestimation, youth gambling, screening tool, nomenclature, risk factors, prevention programs, treatment programs
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Female, Gambling, Humans, Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders, Male, United States, Prevalence
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