Gambling: normal adolescent activity or pathologic addiction?

Pediatr Nurs. 2008 Jul-Aug;34(4):325-8.

Abstract

A 15-year-old comes to the school counselor. He owes $4,000 in gambling debts to a sports-betting bookie, and he doesn't have the money. He is afraid. Yet, 2 weeks later, he bet on the Super Bowl and won $3,000. A 14-year-old limits his betting to $20 and $30; he only bets what he has and he is happy with his successes. A 17-year-old was born with a malformed arm and cannot play sports; instead, he makes bets on sports games. He sells his belongings to get the money he needs; right now, he owes $700. Are the behaviors of these teens unusual?

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Female
  • Gambling* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • United States