University of Wisconsin - Extension

Gambling is becoming more and more prevalent in our society. With the opening of more casinos, the expansion of state lotteries, the increased betting on sports and a wide variety of gambling opportunities available on the Internet, it is not surprising to see an increase in the number of teenage gamblers.

The next Teen Connection will take a closer look at the risks of "Teens and Gambling." The hour-long program will feature a live discussion of the problems associated with teenage gambling, and is being produced in cooperation with the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling. It airs at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.19, on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT). WMVS-TV/Milwaukee also will air the program live.

Teen Connection, co-produced by WPT and Northeastern Wisconsin In-School Telecommunications (NEWIST/CESA #7), has sought to take on many of the issues facing adolescents today. Viewers from around the state may participate in the live discussion by calling 1-877-674-8228 during the broadcast. Trained volunteers, many of them teens themselves, staff the phone banks, help some callers and refer selected calls for on-air discussion. Further information will also be available on the WPT Web site, http://www.wpt.org .

"The earlier a person begins to gamble, the more likely he or she is likely to become a pathological gambler," says the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. One attraction for youth is that gambling is being marketed as a form of entertainment, like shopping or the movies. Teens who are vulnerable to peer pressure use gambling as a way to gain attention from their peers. Kids with low self-esteem see gambling as an opportunity to become popular among their classmates. The rate of pathological gambling among high school and college-age youth is about twice that of adults.

The outcome of teenage gambling can vary-from truancy, stealing and aggressive behavior to substance abuse, poor academic achievement and suicidal behavior. Moreover, kids with severe gambling problems are more likely to end up in the criminal justice system.

"Gambling is a part of everyday life in Wisconsin," comments Rose Gruber from the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling. "We are seeing a skyrocketing number of Internet sites available for gambling that teens are finding."

Teen Connection originates from WPT's studios in Green Bay.Toll-free service is provided courtesy of McLeod USA. Host Quinncy McNeal appears courtesy of WBAY-TV/Green Bay.

WPT is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension. Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/Madison, WPNE-TV/Green Bay, WHRM-TV/Wausau, WLEF-TV/Park Falls, WHLA-TV/La Crosse and WHWC-TV/Menomonie-Eau Claire.