Youth Gambling Problems: Examining Risk and Protective Factors

This study examined the relationship between several pre-examined risk factors for youth problem gambling, a number of potential protective factors for youth problem gambling, and the development of adolescent problem gambling. The sample consisted of 2179 students, ages 11–19. The results of analyses of variance revealed that lower family and school connectedness are associated with adolescent problem gambling. Further, an examination of the effect of potential protective factors on a set of risk factors predictive of adolescent problem gambling suggests that lack of family cohesion plays a role in predicting at-risk and problem gamblers. The results are framed in terms of a general model of risky behaviour and implications for prevention are outlined.