Four to 6 percent of these youth actually qualify as pathological gamblers. Gupta discussed the clinical definitions of addictive behavior and impulse control disorder as it related to her work with youth groups. She said that she draws comparisons between alcohol and drug abuse to gambling to support her claim that gambling is an addiction. In addition, Gupta explained that she tells young people that if they gamble for enjoyment, excitement and to win money while thinking that they are escaping their problems, or to suddenly feel important or alive, gambling has become an addiction. A strong attraction for adolescent boys who gamble is the risk-taking element.
Gamblers are more susceptible to boredom and turn to risky behavior for excitement.
Gamblers are more often male than female, but when they do gamble, in many cases girls are higher risk-takers than boys. Gambling correlates with depression, poor academic performance and a family life that is supportive of gambling behaviors. Gambling appears to make these youth experience an escape from depression if it exists prior to the manifestation of the gambling problem. Their style of coping with life appears to be focused on emotionality, avoidance and distraction. These are three maladaptive styles of coping.