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Prevention of Problem Gambling
January 1999, Vol II, Issue 1

*A Monthly Newsletter on Problem Gambling Prevention Information, Research, and Initiatives*

"No progress has ever been made against an epidemic by treating only the casualties."

SPORTS BETTING, YOUTH AND THE SUPER BOWL: BE INFORMED AND AWARE

Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest "gambling day" of the year for sports bettors. In the spirit of Prevention Strategy Number One: Information and Awareness, we devote this Newsletter edition to some facts and figures about Super Bowl Betting, the link with youth and student athletes, and what problem signs to look for in the student population.

Of the 120 billion dollars Americans spend on illegal gambling every year, 80 billion dollars is spent on sports. It is estimated that over 4 billion dollars was wagered illegally on the 1998 Super Bowl alone (Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc.).

While we do not know for certain how many of those placing bets on the Super Bowl are high school or college age youth, we do know that the proliferation of office pools, pre-game publicity and other hype create open invitations to place bets on this single-most promoted sporting event of the year. Many bettors see it as a time to recoup money lost on the football season, and/or a time to party and have fun. Drinking alcohol and the Super Bowl go hand in hand, as evidenced by the exorbitant amount of money spent by the beer industry on game-time commercials. And for youth, the sports/alcohol/gambling connection is becoming all too clear:

The recent CT Council on Problem Gambling Teen Study indicated 87% of high school students had gambled for money at some time; and students who gamble excessively are more likely to abuse substances and vice versa

The FBI says it appears nearly every major college has a bookmaking operation on or near the campus

A recent NCAA study of Division I football and basketball players revealed that 25.5% had gambled on a college sporting event

National statistics indicate that 40% of all college students engage in binge drinking Being armed with the knowledge of what to look for is an important intervention strategy. Warning signs for possible teen gambling problems include:

Preoccupation with gambling to the exclusion of other interests
Calling 900 numbers for sports scores
Missing money or possessions in the house
Using lunch or bus money to gamble
Coming to parents to pay gambling debts
Displaying unexplained wealth
Unusual interest in sports scores and point spreads over favorite teams and who wins

If you are concerned that a young person you care about has a gambling problem, or know a family in this situation, encourage them to contact the Problem Gambling Helpline in your area and/or seek professional help at a gambling treatment facility.

Local Problem Gambling Helplines
Connecticut: 800-346-6238
Massachusetts: 800-426-1234

By being aware of the potential risks associated with sports betting, understanding the vulnerability of the youth population, and knowing how to access assistance and support, we can be better prepared to help those young people who may need assistance.

A valuable training opportunity that will help practitioners learn more about sports betting is "March Madness or March Sanity" to be held March 12, 1999 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. For more information, call the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling at 617-426-4554.

Special Event: January 15th 1999 9pm
"One Last Bet" Documentary on CPTV
Follow-up show at 10pm
Also airing 1/17 12 noon, 1/18 11pm, 1/19 12 noon