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. Given the multitude of risk factors faced by youths exposed to gambling, it is important to emphasize the role of pediatricians in monitoring. Educational-based gambling disorder prevention programs are important measures in targeting at-risk behaviors among children and adolescents to prevent an escalation of problematic behaviors into adulthood. In this regard, the European Working Group on Social Pediatrics is actively engaged with the national institutions and government authorities to ensure that appropriate preventive programs are more easily available and free at the point of delivery.