Teens especially vulnerable to lure of gambling

The continued climb of the Powerball jackpot can cause the most tight-fisted among us to wonder whether we should plunk down a dollar for a ticket.

Never mind that purchasing a ticket increases your chance of winning by an infinitesimal amount over not buying one.

Still, as the promotions say, "you can't win if you don't play," and the thought of winning $275 million quickly causes one's mind to wander.

Perhaps it's appropriate that the jackpot has grown so large this month, since March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services notes that over the past 10 years, the number of youth reporting serious gambling problems has increased by 50 percent nationally.

Young people with poor control over impulsive behavior are especially vulnerable because of things like online gambling, coupled with new credit cards and casinos across the border when they reach college age.

"We know teens tend to live in the moment and look for excitement, and gambling fits this profile by providing an emotional 'pop' and immediate feedback," said Scot Adams, director of the Division of Behavioral Health at DHHS.

While about 3 percent of adults have gambling problems each year, 4 to 6 percent of children between age 12 and 17 meet criteria for having a gambling problem, and another 10 to 15 percent are at risk for developing one.

Signs of problem gambling in teens include:

* Bragging about wins or lying about losses

* Increasing time and money spent on gambling

* Withdrawing from family and friends

* Excessive phone use, texting and/or Internet activities

* Increased interest in the outcome of sports or games

* Personal or home items going missing

The major types of teen betting are on sports, the lottery, card games like poker and games of skill.

If you suspect a teen has a gambling problem, call (800) 522-4700 for confidential help. More information is available at http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/beh/Treatment.htm

Sponsors of Nebraska's new statewide smoking ban have said they'd gladly forfeit the money the state receives in cigarette taxes -- which is already in decline -- because the cost of tobacco-related problems far outweighs the income.

How long before other state leaders will say the same about the lottery and other state-sponsored gambling?