Gambling addiction does not discriminate, it can affect anyone. Young children, adults and senior citizens are the primary targets of this compulsion. Gambling addicts are not the only ones who suffer from their problem, many times their families and friends are affected just as much. Youth Surveys indicate that youth are at a significantly higher risk than adults for developing gambling addictions.
Drug abuse is a common link between youth and gambling addictions.
Many youth are involved with gambling to support their drug habits. The key to informing youth about gambling addiction is to also educate their parents because many youth learn gambling habits from the adults they look up to. Often, adults begin gambling as a means of escape from their everyday lives. For many adults, gambling creates fantasy solutions to their problems. They believe that the more money they have the more valuable they are.