From unprotected sex to drinking, drugs and smoking, today’s youth are surrounded by activities that put them at risk. But while they can easily make a list of what they shouldn’t do, Nova Scotia youth don’t rate gambling very high on the list of risky behavior.  

 

Research firm D-Code Inc. released new research today at the Nova Scotia Gambling Corporation’s (NSGC) Youth Gambling Prevention Summit. The report entitled “Decoding Risk” explored gambling attitudes and behaviours among Nova Scotia youth aged 13-20. The independent research was funded by NSGC to help provide more information and context about what gambling activities young people are engaging in and how best to prevent this.

 

“There’s no question underage youth are gambling, but the problem is most of them don’t see this as risky behavior. In fact, gambling and betting are ranked 10^th and 13^th on teen’s list of risky behaviors and barely register at all on their list of things that concern them. Clearly there’s a gap here that needs to be filled with effective education,” says Eric Meerkamper, D-Code Partner and research project lead.

 

 

Key research insights included:

o       Youth, and particularly young males, do not perceive taking risks as negative.

o       Youth classify gambling and betting as only moderately risky.

o       Betting and gambling are not significant concerns for most youth.

o       Youth differentiate between gambling and betting by activity.

o       Youth are actively involved in both regulated and unregulated gambling activities.

o       Young males gamble more than females and display more positive attitudes toward gambling.

o       Poker is top of mind, however the perception is somewhat greater than the reality.

o       Gambling location is significantly impacted by gender and age.

o       Youth in Nova Scotia are gambling online (self-reported) in much higher numbers than adults.

o       Friends are the key influencers.

 

 

NSGC’s Youth Gambling Prevention Summit was held today at the Delta Halifax Hotel. International experts gathered to provide people who work with youth insight into the prevalence of youth gambling, the risks involved, and how to effectively connect with this hard-to-reach audience with awareness and education messages. The Summit is part of Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW), an annual event sponsored by NSGC.

 

D-Code Inc. is an innovation, strategy and research firm with special expertise on members of the Information Age Generations – those that have grown up during the rapid explosion of communications technology.

 

Download NSGC's world-leading software designed to keep children off gambling websites.

Investing in sport is investing in a healthier, stronger future.

In 2009-10, $145.9 million in general revenue was provided to the government for its programs and services.