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If you or someone you know is battling gambling addiction, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) or Gamblers Anonymous. For immediate support call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Crucial Role of Friends and Family in Managing Gambling
Gambling is an activity, deeply ingrained in human culture across the globe, serving both as a form of leisure and, at times, a source of concern. While it presents itself as an engaging pastime, the transition from a harmless hobby to a compulsive need can occur swiftly, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
The complexity of gambling disorder, recognized as an addictive behavior in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), lies in its persistent nature, often leading to detrimental impacts on personal, relational, vocational, and financial aspects of life.
The Rise of Gambling Disorders Among Adolescents
Adolescence represents a critical period marked by biological and psychological transformations, heightening vulnerability to addictive behaviors. This vulnerability, coupled with the widespread accessibility and aggressive marketing of gambling opportunities, has led to an alarming rise in gambling activities among the youth.
The scientific community now acknowledges gambling as one of the predominant addictive behaviors in adolescents, prompting a call to action for both families and educational institutions to foster a culture of responsible gambling.
Strategies for Prevention and Support
Families and educators play pivotal roles in guiding adolescents through the potential minefield of gambling addiction. Here are comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating the risks and fostering a supportive environment:
- Embrace the Digital Age
- Recognize the internet as an integral aspect of youth leisure.
- Advocate for responsible and controlled internet usage.
- Implement parental controls and filtering solutions to restrict access to online gambling sites.
- Set Clear Guidelines
- Establish rules around internet connectivity and the use of electronic devices, tailored to the individual's age, maturity, and lifestyle.
- Foster Open Communication
- Create spaces for open dialogue where adolescents can freely express themselves.
- Educate on the risks associated with gambling, emphasizing that it is not a viable source of income.
- Be a Role Model
- Exhibit responsible behavior, particularly in the context of gambling, to serve as a positive role model for young individuals.
- Promote Alternative Leisure Activities
- Encourage engagement in screen-free leisure activities, such as outdoor sports and creative pursuits.
- Educate on the value of boredom tolerance, reducing overreliance on electronic devices for entertainment.
- Discourage Electronic Devices as Emotional Crutches
- Avoid using electronic devices as a means to soothe or distract from negative emotions, preventing their role as emotional regulators.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
Educating both the youth and adults about the dangers and ethical considerations of gambling is essential. This education can take many forms, from formal discussions in educational settings to informal conversations at home. The goal is to build a foundation of knowledge that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about gambling activities.
Conclusion
Tackling problem gambling, especially among adolescents, requires a concerted effort from families, educators, and the wider community.
By promoting healthy leisure alternatives, fostering open communication, and setting appropriate boundaries around digital consumption, we can create a supportive environment that mitigates the risks associated with gambling disorders.
As we navigate this challenge, it is crucial to remember that education and awareness are our most powerful tools in preventing gambling from evolving into a problematic behavior.
References
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Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.
In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content.
Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports."
- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG
Principles and Ethics
Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.
Future Perspectives
Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.
Experience:
- Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
- Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
- Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
