Gambling involves participating in any game or activity where a person risks money or a valuable object with the hope of winning more money. It is characterized by uncertainty about the outcome, whether it takes place on online platforms through games and sports betting, buying lottery tickets, or other forms of gambling. The central concept is to risk money with the expectation of a larger return, relying primarily on chance to determine the outcome.
Historical Background:
Gambling dates back to ancient China, Egypt, and Greece, where games of chance were a part of social and religious activities. Early forms included dice games and lotteries. It persisted in Europe with popular card games and betting on animal fights.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, gambling became more organized with the establishment of casinos and the introduction of betting on horse racing. This period saw significant growth, especially in the United States after the legalization of casinos in Las Vegas in the 1930s. Globally, gambling expanded with innovations like slot machines and televised horse racing, making it more accessible and appealing. These developments have shaped modern gambling into a blend of tradition and technological advancements that continues to evolve today.
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Youth Gambling
- Technological Accessibility
• Ease of Access: Online Gambling Platforms have made gambling more accessible to young people. Online casinos, sports betting sites, and virtual lotteries are readily available. The convenience of accessing these platforms from smartphones or computers has significantly increased youth participation in gambling.
• Anonymity: They offer youth anonymity, and encourage youth to gamble without fear of judgment or parental monitoring. With technological advancements, it can be done privately and easily, escaping real-world problems. Virtual communities on gambling platforms provide support and encouragement, making them feel part of a group. This combination of factors has made it easier and more appealing for young people to engage in gambling activities.
2. Integration of Gambling in Video Games
Loot Boxes and In-Game Purchases: Loot boxes & in-game purchases create mechanics similar to Gambling, which offer randomized rewards for a fee like in-game items such as -weapons, or other enhancements that can improve gameplay, this mimics the mechanics of traditional gambling. Players spend real money for a chance to win valuable in-game items, creating a gambling-like experience. The excitement and anticipation associated with opening loot boxes can lead to addictive behaviors similar to those seen in gambling, particularly among impressionable youth, thus creating a psychological impact.
3. Normalization through Media and Advertising: Gambling is frequently portrayed in movies, TV shows, and online content as a glamorous and exciting activity, which influences and develop young people’s perceptions and attitudes towards it.
Aggressive marketing by gambling companies, including sponsorships of popular sports teams and events, has normalized gambling. Young people are constantly exposed to gambling advertisements, making it seem like a common and acceptable pastime. Thus, promoting it as the easiest and most luxurious way to reap benefits.
4. Social & Online Interactions: Young people frequently gamble in social settings, like betting on sports games with friends or playing certain games during their leisure time. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in often drive them to participate more in these gambling activities.
5. Psychological and Developmental Factors: Adolescents are more susceptible to engaging in risky behaviors such as gambling due to their ongoing brain development. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, particularly in regions responsible for impulse control and decision-making. This heightens their susceptibility to the allure of gambling, for seeking excitement and rewards, while struggling with assessing long-term consequences. Besides this Gambling offers the promise of instant rewards, which can be particularly appealing to young people who are less likely to consider long-term consequences.
6. Insufficient Regulation & Response: In many regions, regulations around youth gambling are not stringent enough. This includes inadequate enforcement of existing laws and loopholes that allow gambling. Regulatory bodies often lag in responding to new gambling formats and technologies, allowing new forms of gambling to proliferate before adequate safeguards are implemented.
Prevalence & Adolescent Engagement: In the United States, 60-80% of high school students report gambling annually, with around 6% considered problem gamblers. In the UK, 37% of 11-16-year-olds have gambled in the past year, with 14% spending their own money on it weekly. Similar trends are observed in Canada, where 42% of students in grades 7-12 have gambled, and in New Zealand, where 36% of young people aged 15-24 have engaged in gambling.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore found that 13.6% of adolescents aged 13-19 had participated in some form of gambling in the past year. Approximately 5% of these adolescents were identified as problem gamblers, exhibiting behaviors such as excessive betting and gambling addiction. The Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) reported that there were over 100 million users on fantasy sports platforms in India as of 2020, with a significant proportion being young adults.
Impact on Mental & Social Behaviors: The potential impacts of gambling and betting on young individuals are multifaceted, affecting various aspects of their lives, including mental health, finances, social relationships, emotional well-being, disciplinary issues, and the potential development of a criminal mindset.
• Anxiety and Depression: Young individuals who engage in gambling are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. The stress of financial losses, combined with the guilt and shame often associated with gambling problems, can exacerbate these conditions. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, contributing to severe depressive episodes and suicidal ideation.
• Debt and Financial Instability: Young gamblers often incur significant debt, using money intended for other purposes, borrowing from friends or family, or even engaging in illegal activities to fund their gambling. This financial instability can have long-term effects, hindering their ability to save money, and can spill over to their families, causing economic strain. Families may be forced to cover the debts or provide financial support, which can lead to stress and conflict within the household.
• Social Relationships: Problem gambling can lead to social isolation. Young individuals may withdraw from friends and family, either to hide their gambling or because of the time and focus spent on gambling activities. The highs and lows associated with gambling outcomes can also create emotional instability.
• Academic Decline: The time and energy spent on gambling can detract from academic responsibilities, leading to poor grades and disengagement from educational activities. Truancy and lack of concentration in academics are common among young gamblers, which can also result in disciplinary actions.
• Engagement in Illegal Activities: To sustain their gambling habits or pay off debts, young individuals may turn to illegal activities such as theft, fraud, or drug dealing. Research indicates that there is a significant overlap between problem gambling and criminal behavior, with many young gamblers being more likely to engage in criminal activities.
Implications and Interventions:
The rise in youth gambling has several adverse effects, including financial hardship, mental health issues, and academic problems. To mitigate these effects, a multi-faceted approach is necessary:
• Regulation and Policy: Governments need to enforce stricter laws & abolish gambling platforms and regulate gambling-like features in video games. Some countries, like Belgium and the Netherlands, have already taken steps to ban loot boxes.
• Education, Awareness & Support Services: Educational institutions and parents play a critical role in educating young people about the risks of gambling. Programs that teach financial literacy and responsible behavior can help prevent gambling addiction. Providing access to counseling and support services for young gamblers is crucial. Helplines, online resources, and community programs can offer the necessary support for those struggling with gambling addiction.
• Youth & Support Groups: Promote engagement in alternative recreational activities that provide healthy outlets for stress and entertainment. Sports, arts, and community service programs can offer meaningful alternatives to gambling. Establish support groups for young people who are at risk of or currently experiencing gambling problems. These groups can provide peer support, counseling, and practical advice.
• Early Intervention: Integrate screening for gambling problems into regular health check-ups and school counseling services. Early identification can lead to timely intervention and support. Provide access to counseling and therapy for young individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches can be effective in treating gambling disorders.
Islamic Perspective:
From an Islamic perspective, gambling and betting are strictly prohibited and considered major sins.
Quran clearly states: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful”. [Qur’an, 5: 90]
This verse explicitly prohibits gambling, equating it with other forms of moral corruption. It is described as a tool of Satan designed to sow discord and distract believers from their religious duties.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever says to his companion, ‘Come, let us gamble,’ should give charity.” This Hadith underscores the seriousness of gambling by recommending expiation through charity even for suggesting it.
Islam prohibits gambling due to numerous ethical considerations. It diverts individuals from their spiritual obligations, such as prayer, fasting, and the remembrance of Allah. Gambling cultivates negative traits like greed, selfishness, and the desire for quick, unearned gains, which oppose the Islamic principles of hard work, contentment, and earning ethically. Moreover, Islam emphasizes the responsible use of wealth and condemns its wastage. Gambling often leads to significant monetary losses, which could otherwise be used for meaningful purposes, such as supporting one’s family, aiding those in need, or contributing to the welfare of the community.
The Islamic perspective on gambling is clear and unequivocal: it is a major sin with profound moral, financial, and social harms. Addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, spiritual support, community engagement, and advocacy for legal restrictions. By adhering to Islamic principles and cultivating a supportive community environment, we can work collectively to prevent and mitigate the adverse effects of gambling on individuals and society.
Conclusion:
Youth gambling, influenced by historical practices and modern technology, brings significant risks such as financial instability, mental health issues, and social isolation. Online platforms and integrated gaming features have made gambling easily accessible and socially acceptable among young people. Effective responses require stringent regulations, educational initiatives, support services, and early intervention programs. Collaborative efforts involving families, communities, governments, and educators are essential to protect young people from the harms of gambling and to cultivate environments that encourage healthy behaviors and responsible decision-making.
From an Islamic perspective, gambling is strictly prohibited due to its detrimental effects on moral character and community welfare. Islamic teachings emphasize ethical wealth management and spiritual well-being, promoting responsible financial practices and discouraging activities that promote greed and unethical character.
References:
Derevensky, J. L., Gupta, R., Messerlian, C., & Gillespie, M. (2005). Youth gambling problems. In J. L. Derevensky & R. Gupta (Eds.), Gambling problems in youth (pp. 125-140). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-48586-9_12
Grande-Gosende, A., López-Núñez, C., García-Fernández, G. et al. Systematic Review of Preventive Programs for Reducing Problem Gambling Behaviors Among Young Adults. J Gambl Stud 36, 1–22 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-019-09866-9
Gambling in young adults aged 17–24 years: A population-based study. (2020). Journal of Gambling Studies. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10899-020-09948-z#citeas
The Rise of Online Gaming and Sports Betting: How it is Affecting Youth and Young Adults and What Communities Can do to Raise Awareness. (n.d.). Addiction Professionals of North Carolina. Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://apnc.org/events/the-rise-of-online-gaming-and-sports-betting-how-it-is-affecting-youth-and-young-adults-and-what-communities-can-do-to-raise-awareness/
What is Gambling? What is the view of Islam on Gambling? Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://questionsonislam.com/article/what-gambling-what-view-islam-gambling
