700 thousand minors are addicted to gambling

A study conducted in Italy raises the alarm for the threat of minors from the games of fate. Schoolchildren, mostly boys are practicing sports bets and lottery. The age of starting luck is an important risk factor.

An epidemiological study data for fortune games published by the Super Institute of Health, in collaboration with “Explore” indicated that boys start playing at the age of 9. The percentage of those who started playing between the ages of 9 and 12 is growing, risking them becoming troubled players. Curiosity and entertainment remain the main motives that make them play.

Although these games are banned for minors, it has resulted in about 700 thousand young people between 14 and 17 years of age who have played at least once last year. Of these, almost 70 thousand are troubled players.

The study revealed that 18 million adult Italians (one in three) have played at least once with past - year gambling. Of these more than 13 million play “socialally”, two million have a low-risk profile, one million and 400 thousand people represent a moderate risk, while one and a half million are problematic players.

The data showed that over 3 million people over 65 years of age, both men and women, gamble. Of these, 2 percent are troubled players. They prefer lotterys and play mostly in trays or in bars.

It's the biggest study ever conducted in Italy, says Walter Riccard, president of the Institute of Health. The study showed that this phenomenon has spread to the south and the islands of Italy.