The Risk of Gambling Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Gambling disorders should be regarded as a public health issue, with adverse consequences for individuals and families. Over the past 25 years, the phenomenon of gambling among children and adolescents has grown, particularly in economically advantaged countries. Reports on youth gambling performed during this period have revealed increasing incidence and prevalence rates, which emphasize the possibility that negative effects related to gambling disorders will progressively impact children and adolescents’ health and well-being.Thus, although gambling has become a significant public health issue, it remains a hidden event for too many in civil society and even among healthcare professionals. Although adolescents with gambling-related problems frequently present psychological and mental health problems, including substance use, they are often underrepresented in treatment. In fact, despite gambling addiction being recognized by the World Health Organization as a behavioral disorder, most national health systems do not currently fund specialist treatment. The problem of gambling among youths is among the main focuses of the working group on social pediatrics supported by several European national pediatric societies, members of the European Paediatric Association, and the Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations. The aim of this commentary is to raise pediatricians’ attention to this phenomenon and its implications for the health of the children and adolescents. Given the multitude of risk factors faced by youths exposed to gambling, it is important to emphasize the role of pediatricians in monitoring. Working closely with families and providing early screening, assessment, and treatment for problem gambling is essential for the effective control of gambling disorders in children and adolescents to decrease the risk of negative impacts on their present and future lives.