THUNDER BAY -- Young adults are most at risk of having a gambling addiction.
Eighteen to 24-year-olds, young adults, actually are the highest percentage of having a moderate to severe gambling problem,” said Te-Anna Bailey, team lead for Know the Score 2.
Know the Score 2 is a problem gambling awareness and prevention program; part of the program is to tour college and university campuses and on Wednesday they were set up in the Agora at Lakehead University offering information on the myths, risks and signs of problem gambling.
Bailey said 6.9 per cent of young adults have a gambling addiction compared to 3.3 per cent of the median age.
There are always risks when it comes to gambling, so Bailey said for those who choose to participate, do so responsibly.
Setting money and time limits, balancing time doing other activities and not borrowing money are methods to do that.
From talking to students at various campuses, Bailey said many don’t realize the realities of gambling and the true chances of winning and losing.
“People like to talk and goat about how much they win, but no one’s really talking about how much they lose,” she said.
“We give people info so they can make informed decisions.
Know the Score 2 is also about letting people know where they can find help. They can call the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-230-3505 or the Sister Margaret Smith Centre Problem Gambling Programs at St. Joseph’s Care Group at 1-866-346-0463.
