The Gambling Threat Is Real
Easy access makes gambling a concern to the wellbeing of our youth.
Welcome to edition 199 of The Physical Movement. Happy Easter!
Have you noticed the absolute overflow of gambling commercials during the broadcast of sporting events?
There is not one break in the action without getting slammed from one of how many gambling apps/sites. I am sure you have seen them, the ads look a lot like beer commercials from a few years ago. “Life is great and exciting with some money on the line goes the thought process”.
In 1977, Marie Winn published a book called the Plug In Drug warning of concerns of television taking over family time, including coming at the expense of other experiences.
In the 90’s the combination of television and video games increased screen time to new highs, again coming at the expense of other experiences, including regular physical activity.
In the 2000’s the smartphone started up on its way to it being a staple today with both harmful and beneficial aspects to its use. In all screen time has positives and negatives to them, but like most things are best consumed in moderation.
The one thing in common with these changes is how each seeped into our western culture without much warning or concern.
Gambling seems to be one of the latest to fall into this category. One major difference of course is there is not really an upside on any level. Betting has also made its way into online game modes of video games, making the impact reach a very young demographic.
With the access to money (credit) being easier than ever, young adults are especially vulnerable as they are developing their own independence and money management skills. With most transactions today being digital, the actual “handling” of money is a lost skill. There was actually something to the
Young people are prime and susceptible to gambling’s addictive pull. With all the focus on improving mental health awareness, does anyone not see a contradictory message here?
Come gamble, but let’s all be work to help each other with mental health issues!
Youth with gambling problems tend to report higher rates of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Suicide attempts for individuals impacted by problem gambling occur at twice the rate of other addictions.
In 2019, 11% of 11–16 year olds in the UK said they had spent money on gambling activities in the previous 7 days, and 36% reported doing so in the preceding 12 months. While these figures have remained static over recent years, two deeply concerning trends are beginning to emerge. The growth on online gambling and a second concern of problem gambling.
A recent article on a young professional baseball player highlights the devastating impact of gambling with our young people.
Jake Sanford is a young baseball player from Nova Scotia, Canada living out his dream in the New York Yankees organization. Jake was the highest drafted athlete from Atlantic Canada ever in 2019 by one the most recognizable sports franchises. His story is one that movies are made about, and armed with a $600,000 signing bonus he went on his way of working through the minor leagues to play Major League Baseball. By all reports, his physical skills and baseball IQ had him on schedule to reach that goal, but he was released by the Yankees unexpectedly in 2022.
With money in the bank and free time on his hands, Sandford started to get too friendly with the local casino where he was staying in the USA, and in short, it deteriorated from there. Before he knew it , he had blown through his signing bonus, and was borrowing for more.
Folks from Atlantic Canada are known for being down to earth, friendly and hospitable. By all accounts Jake Sanford came from a good family. Addiction can sneak up on good people. It happens more than we think.
The short of it is, as parents and coaches, this is a startling reminder of another topic we need to be aware of in protecting our children.
The full article on Jake Sanford can be found here.
The good news is, education is starting to emerge targeting our youth, not just the adults. The YMCA of Toronto has a Youth Gambling Awareness Program, targeting youth as young as 11 years old. This is part of an impressive series addressing the financial and media side of gambling, as well as its impact on health.
Like most topics of this nature, awareness is a critical part of the solution. I would think most regions, fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how you look at it) will have these topics covered. The YMCA Toronto programs are sponsored by public health. Schools must quickly build this into their curriculum, and youth sport teams/organizations must jump on board as well.
Like the smartphone especially, gambling is hijacking our culture at an alarming rate without us even realizing it. Before we know it , our kids have found ways to wager with so much ease it is mind blowing. A few clicks of a button, and money has now disappeared.
Let’s include a dangers of gambling module in our sports coaching seminars and certifications.
The Physical Movement News and Notes:
Congratulations to The Greaves Family of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada on the success of their son Jet in his debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who had an impressive debut playing in versus his hometown team the Toronto Maple Leafs this past week.
This is proof that dreams can come true when talent meets hard work with lots of support. Full disclosure, have been playing beer league hockey with Gerry for years (who is a pretty good goalie and athlete himself) and he had Jet out to play in our summer skate last summer. What a treat!
Everyone who plays or coaches sports should experience the very best up close even just once. The skill level and athleticism was so impressive as we tried to score on Jet. Even the other pros out for the skate could not beat him in a 60 minute skate. I am not even sure he broke a sweat.
So much is spoken and written about with parents and coaches about their kids wanting to play at the highest level. But I am not sure everyone realizes how good these athletes are and what it takes to get there.
If more people realized just how skilled these athletes are , they might back off and just let their kids have fun. While it is nice to aspire to be better, understanding where the bar is set is critical when we set expectations.
When you experience a pro athlete up close, you start to see just how much has to go right for the goal to be achieved. The talent level has to be top level, but the talent does not shine unless there is a work ethic that is the best in the community. Those two things alone thin the heard.
I am not convinced most kids are prepared to work and sacrifice as hard as Jet or others who are pro have worked in order to achieve their goals. I am not sure most parents would want the hard life that many pros face for their kids. Pro sport is ruthless.
Do yourself a favor, bring your aspiring young athlete to see a minor league baseball game up close or 905 basketball, AHL hockey or the local minor pro soccer league. You can see most of these competitions up close and see first hand just how good these athletes are. The skills and commitment required has never been higher.
It’s ok to reach for the stars, but we should not try and touch them without a helmet on!