Ore. study shows teen gambling tied to other risky behaviors

SALEM, Ore. (AP)-- A new study indicates students in the 8th and 11th grades who gamble are more likely to be involved in risky behaviors such as drinking, carrying weapons, sexual activity or fighting.

"The data are startling," said Jeff Marotta, problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services.

He said the information has bolstered a plan to make a seven-minute video by April that will be distributed free to schools, boys and girls clubs, faith organizations, and elsewhere to encourage discussions of problem gambling.

The video will feature Oregon middle school students talking about gambling, and will be accompanied by activity and discussion guides.

"The video will focus discussion that will help teenagers understand how to avoid getting into trouble with gambling," Marotta said.

Correlation of survey data found that:

--Eighth-grade gamblers were nearly twice as likely to have had sex as non-gamblers. The difference for 11th-grade gamblers was approximately 25 percent.

--Gamblers at both grade levels were three times as likely to have carried a handgun as non-gamblers.

--Eighth-grade gamblers were more than three times as likely to have been in a fight during the prior 12 months, while 11th-graders were more than twice as likely.

--Gamblers at both grade levels were nearly three times as likely as non-gamblers to have attacked someone during the prior 12 months intending serious harm.

--Eighth-grader gamblers were nearly twice as likely to have consumed alcohol and 11th-graders about a third more likely than non-gamblers.

"This isn't a cause-and-effect relationship," Marotta said. "Gambling doesn't cause these other behaviors. But gambling should be a signal to parents that they ought to be talking to teens about risky behaviors including gambling."

In focus groups by Multnomah County and the private nonprofit Oregon Partnership, Marotta noted, most participating teens said they gamble. He said the parents didn't mention it until prompted. Teens said the winner of a weekend poker tournament pocket as much as $500.

The DHS problem gambling services program, which also offers free treatment, is financed by Oregon Lottery revenues.