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1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave: Don't Bet On It: The Story of Young People and Gambling

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Don't Bet On It: The Story of Young People and Gambling

19/02/2012

BBC Radio 1Xtra - 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave, Don't Bet On It: The Story of Young People and Gambling

Radio 1Xtra investigates the pleasures and potential pitfalls of gambling.

An estimated 127,500 young people under the age of 24 in the UK have a gambling problem. 1Xtra asks whether gambling is the latest hidden addiction.

Since the National Lottery came into our living rooms in 1994 it's become hard to escape gambling. It's everywhere - on TV and online, betting shops are all over the high street and it's even spelt-out on footballer's shirts. 

It's reckoned that around 60,000 young people have a gambling problem. This can sour friendships, split families, interrupt education, ruin the chances of finding a job and ultimately lead to crime. 

And unlike drink or drugs it's often hard to tell when someone has a problem. Whilst other addictions like drink, drugs and risky sex are featured in the school syllabus, gambling is often not covered at all.

If young people were better educated about the risks of betting, such as the maths behind odds and the fact that the house always wins, then more people could enjoy the thrill of gambling without the potential pitfalls.

We talk to support groups, experts and young gamblers to find out more about the pleasures and pitfalls of scratch cards, casinos and online poker.

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