Authorities from the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos participated in the presentation of the first survey on online gambling consumption among adolescents in the provincial capital.
Argentina.- The Defensoría del Pueblo (Ombudsman) of the city of Posadas, together with the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos (IPLyC Misiones) and the Provincial Institute of Statistics and Censuses (IPEC), presented on Tuesday, November 27, the results of the Survey on Gambling in Adolescents (EJAA).
Among the highlighted data, it was revealed that one in three school-aged adolescents in Posadas participated in gambling games. Additionally, two out of five of those who gambled had their first experiences between the ages of 10 and 14, and the majority (6 out of 10) were introduced to gambling through social networks, advertising, and influencers.
The president of IPLyC, Héctor Rojas Decut, the head of IPEC, Silvana Labat, and the Ombudsman of Posadas, Valeria Fiore Cáceres, explained during the presentation at the Government House that the survey was conducted between August and September 2024, with the aim of "obtaining reliable data to more deeply understand the local reality and address the issue comprehensively."
The sample included public and private secondary schools in the capital of Misiones, and about 4,337 young people between the ages of 12 and 21 answered the questions, providing a first approximation to concrete data on this issue in the provincial capital.
Upon sharing the results, the officials expressed their concern and announced the decision to strengthen awareness channels for a comprehensive approach to the problem, which requires the support of the entire society to prevent the effects of exposure to these consumptions.
The president of IPLyC, Héctor Rojas Decut, highlighted the commitment of the institution to Responsible Gaming and noted that so far this year, the institution has made more than 400 complaints against illegal sites, emphasizing that authorized platforms do not allow access to minors. He also added that they continuously carry out activities aimed at raising awareness and prevention, in addition to controlling and reporting clandestine sites.
"Through our Responsible Gaming Program, we have intensified our efforts. Especially with the behavioral addiction prevention talks, which are not only focused on informing about the risks of gambling in minors but also on promoting healthy uses of technology. Encouraging reflection and critical thinking among young people to strengthen health protective factors," said Rojas Decut.
In this regard, he specified that, in 2024, more than 7,000 students from primary and secondary schools in 34 municipalities had access to these talks, provided by professionals who are part of the Responsible Gaming program.
He also added that on the IPLyC website, a space with specific content has been opened to provide informational support to parents, teachers, and adolescents, thereby accompanying them with specific tools to prevent adolescent online gambling.
"We also work on a strong communication campaign to fight against clandestine sites, communicating that the only legal platforms are those with the domain .bet.ar, where access to minors is not allowed," detailed Rojas Decut.
The survey data indicate that adolescents between 15 and 17 years old are the most active in gambling games. According to them, they do it as a way to "make easy money"; as a recreational option, or as a way to socialize. They find it "fun" and "exciting," and they prefer sports betting (61.5 percent) and roulette (57.7 percent).
Within the group of those who gamble, 2 out of 5 reported having their first gaming experiences between the ages of 10 and 14, through virtual means (social networks, advertising, and influencers), and that the cell phone – without adult control – was the main access route. From their own home, a friend's house, or school.
In terms of frequency, 1 out of 4 adolescents said they gamble every day or at least once a week, less than an hour. But there are those who dedicate up to ten hours or more to this activity.
Regarding controls, 1 out of 4 adolescents expressed feeling irritability when interrupting the game or going several days without betting. A similar number reported having failed in the attempt to control or interrupt the activity. Most tried to recover lost money, and just over a third asked for money borrowed.
Among the main consequences of gambling, the kids pointed out economic problems, followed by physical, emotional, family, and school performance issues. One in seven adolescents who have already had their gambling experience admits needing help for their gambling behavior, and a similar proportion confessed that they considered suicide and self-harm as a consequence of this activity.
