Winter, 2006

FEATURE ARTICLE Packaging gambling with sex a risky combination for teens

Alissa Sklar, Ph.D. International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors lad in a barely there While the use of sex to sell “Online just got a C bikini, the blonde and consumer products and whole lot HOTTER” screams buxom Pamela services is nothing new, this the headline, “Come and Anderson offers a seductive business alliance does serve Teach Me a Thing or Two challenge from the cover of to draw attention to a and get your share of millions Gambling Online Magazine: particularly worrying monthly.” “Play With Me.” With the marketing trend when it dubious distinction of being comes to gambling, since the Anderson promises to log in the most downloaded woman vast majority of youth with regularly to chat and play on the internet, Anderson gambling problems are male. poker with visitors, telling decided to team up with In the full page ad for her Gambling Online Magazine, online poker magnate Doyle poker site, the topless “What’s really fun though, is Brunson to launch Anderson peers back at the going in and chatting with all PamelaPoker.com. viewer from over her the characters playing.” The shoulder, as she squats star of television series such Inside this issue provocatively in shiny leather as Stacked and Baywatch chaps and black stilletos. lends a Hollywood gloss to the familiar combination of Packaging Gambling with Sex... 1 and sex. Cultural Differences in Youth 3 Gambling Images of young women in Gambling Gifts for Kids 4 various stages of undress are part of the visual aesthetic of Games or Gambling? 5 online gambling, and the Award Announcement 5 language used in conjunction with them is full of sexual Spotlight on Research Centres 6 double entendres. NS Website Seeks Ban on VLTs 7 BoDog.com commercials Gambling & Pop Culture 8 urge potential participants to “Play Harder” and Titan Current Publications 9 Poker shows the exposed * * * cleavage of a young woman, News from Centre 10 with the message to “Keep 11 your hands full for a while”. Upcoming Events Source: Gambling Online Magazine Continued on page 2 Continued from page 1

Players can use the code page ad in Gambling Online and potentially dangerous. “handsfull” to receive a small Magazine that “Our players Gambling disorders which bonus on their first deposit. suck. Get your piece of $4 tend to socially isolate at-risk million every month while youth may interfere with the you chew them up and spit development of real-life them out.” Brunson advises, relationships that can have a “Let me teach YOU how to protective effect on some beat these clowns.” youth. Furthermore, the high incidence of co-morbidity Teens are particularly with alcohol and drug abuse, vulnerable to the seductive raises additional concerns promises of gambling. The about high-risk sexual elusive dream of easy money activities. and its inherent escapism can seem all the more appealing Using sex to sell gambling when bound up with the degrades both women and promise of sexual power and men, obscures the hard social desirability. The sexual reality of gambling and images distract from the makes risky behaviour questions of probability and attractive to a vulnerable odds of winning. The segment of the population. In one full page ad for beautiful girls draped on the This kind of imagery eZplay.com in Gambling arm of the high rollers in deserves further study and Online Magazine there is an magazine pages, on celebrity vigilance, and should be image of the bared torso of tournaments and gambling addressed as a part of a very young woman, with themed films make it seem prevention and awareness her torn jeans unzipped and all the more credible. This is programs aimed at her hands clutching her a world where the size of adolescents. tanned, toned midriff. The your chips really do count. headline says “It doesn’t come much eZier than this.” While encouraging high risk The logo for eZplay is behaviour in teenage males digitally tattooed near her is of major concern on its navel. own, the potential for problems with these images Challenging appeals are goes further. Young men made to the masculinity of spending hours at their male viewers and readers. computers gambling online These images construct may well be spending gamblers as virile, desirable substantially more time with and powerful. The aggressive the fictional personas of brand of male heterosexuality highly sexualized and further encourages high risk completely passive young behaviour. The cowboy- women than interacting with themed site of Doyle real girls their own age. The Brunson (www. doylesroom. objectification of female com) announces in a two- sexuality is both denigrating Source: Gambling Online Magazine Cultural differences in youth problem gambling: A cross-cultural study of gambling behaviour among adolescents

Stephen Ellenbogen, Rina Gupta, and Jeffrey L. Derevensky International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors

ultural beliefs can determine Although the results need to be gambling needs to be replicated with C a wide variety of perceptions interpreted with some caution, based larger sample sizes, distributed across and attitudes about the world. on the small sample size, there were a more varied selection of schools in Since gambling behaviour can be significant differences between the greater metropolitan area. driven by these underlying attitudes, Anglophone and Allophone youth, Despite the limitations of this study, research into cultural differences with Anglo boys having almost as these results add to the growing body offers insight into which population many probable pathological gamblers of evidence indicating that youth from groups may be more at risk for as their Allophone counterparts, different cultural backgrounds are gambling problems. This information despite showing only half the amount not equally at risk of developing can be used to develop more effective of youth who gambled on a weekly gambling problems. More prevention programs, treatment basis. importantly, the present results efforts, and for informing legislators None of the Francophone youth met suggest that minority groups may be attempting to develop effective social the criteria for PG, though one would at increased risk for reasons that go policies (Derevensky, Gupta, naturally expect the prevalence rate beyond poverty and other Messerlian & Gillespie, 2004). to be much higher. Taken with the disadvantages. Further research is A study by Stephen Ellenbogen, Rina results of previous studies, there is needed to identify these reasons. It Gupta and Jeffrey Derevensky looked strong reason to believe that the rate would also be important to verify into whether cultural background can of problem gambling and frequent whether the increased youth PG rates be related to the gambling behaviour gambling among Francophone youth in some cultural communities lead to among adolescents in Quebec. From may be significantly lower than that long-term repercussions and increase a cross-cultural research standpoint of other youth in the province. the risk of becoming an adult problem the situation in Quebec is interesting Consistent with numerous studies gambler. in that there are two large cultural indicating that gambling problems groups of relatively comparable are more widespread among minority References: socio-economic status with similar youth (Wallisch, 1993, 1996; Zitzow, education and social service systems. 1996), cultural and ethnic minority Derevensky, J. L., Gupta, R., & Winters, However, there are marked cultural individuals demonstrated the greatest K. C. (2003). Prevalence rates of youth differences between Anglophone risk for problem gambling. In the gambling problems: Are the current rates (English) and Francophone (French) inflated? Journal of Gambling Studies, present sample, these were most 19, 405-425. Quebecers which go beyond linguistic commonly adolescents of Italian, differences Hispanic, Arabic, Portuguese and Nower, L., Derevensky, J. L., & Gupta, A convenience sample of 1273 Chinese decent. R. (2004). The relationship of Quebec high school students (605 impulsivity, sensation seeking, coping These results support the conjecture and substance use in youth gamblers. males, 660 females, 8 unspecified) of Derevensky et al. (2003) that the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, aged 12-18 was divided into three wide variability in prevalence rates 18(1), 49-55. linguistic groupings: Anglophone of youth problem gambling reported Wallisch, L. S. (1993). 1992 Texas survey (English), Francophone (French), and in recent Quebec studies may be due, Allophone (other). They were asked of adolescent gambling behavior. Austin, in part to cultural and linguistic Texas: Texas Commission on Alcohol to complete five instruments: DSM- factors and not because of conceptual and Drug Abuse. IV-MR-J, the Gambling Activities and methodological difficulties. The Wallisch, L. S. (1996). Gambling in Questionnaire (GAQ) IFPI, EMT and authors point to the need to take into FACES II. Texas: 1995 Surveys of adult and account cultural differences when adolescent gambling behavior, Executive The results suggest that cultural examining prevalence rates and in Summary. Austin, TX: Texas affiliation did have a determinative directing prevention initiatives. Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse. effect on youth gambling, with A compelling question remains as to Zitzow, D. (1996). Comparative study Allophone (those whose mother why cultural differences in the rate of problematic gambling behaviors tongue is neither French nor English) of problem gambling actually exist between American Indian and non-Indian had the highest proportion of youth given similar opportunities and adults in a northern plains reservation. who gambled on a weekly basis, possible venues. Research on the American Indian & Alaska Native Mental followed by Anglophone and then question of cultural affiliation and Health Research, 7, 14-41. Francophone youth. Gambling gifts for kids discouraged for holidays

Isabelle Martin, Ph.D. International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors

hristmas season is here the Celebration®, Noël à vie® C and, once again, many and Noël d’Argent®. Parents adults will be wondering and kids are also presented with what gifts they should give a wide selection of gambling teenagers and children. From “games,” poker being one of the CDs and DVDs to clothes, most popular. Poker kits, boards computers, toys and sports and variants are offered for equipment, there are plenty of children as young as eight years- products competing for our old. And many children would attention. It can be difficult to be thrilled to get them because make sense of the non-stop they view poker as an exciting adverting coming through our grown up form of entertainment. mailboxes, papers, television and Poker is presented to them as a the Web. It’s not always an easy sport and a fun skill-based task to select up the right present Harvard® Casino Game Cabinet activity that is safe and can lead for kids and teens, especially for Source: Sears website you to fame and fortune. The those we don’t get to see often notion of fame is particularly enough. teenagers are much more at risk appealing to the very young. of developing gambling Consequently, many adults will problems than adults; in fact, If youngsters are receiving turn to lottery products and two to three times more likely. gambling games from adults scratch cards as stocking stuffers, In most jurisdictions, the law they respect, they acquire the thinking they are the perfect gift. prohibits the sale of lottery message that gambling activities They are easy to find, not too products to individules under the are meant for them, are safe and expensive and most kids and age of 18, and forbids children’s that adults endorse their use. teenagers enjoy the thought of access to all other forms of state Children may not have the winning a lot of money in an lottery, in order to protect this maturity to make a clear “adult” activity. vulnerable group from distinction between poker with and without money. If they begin to play Kids get the message that poker at the age of 9, by the time they gambling is OK for them. become 12 or 13, they will be convinced that they Adults offer such products developing gambling behaviour have mastered the game and may despite a growing awareness of problems. Research has also feel safe wagering money, the risks associated with shown that those experiencing while losing sight of the risks excessive participation in severe gambling problems associated with it. gambling activities. Many are started gambling at an early age, still not informed or convinced often around 9 or 10 years of Help spread the message this that lottery products can be age, and frequently with family holiday season: gambling harmful. Lottery products, members. products are not appropriate gifts especially instant ones, may for anyone under the legal age. seem inoffensive but, too often, This Christmas season, like the Feel free to speak with store they are a gateway to more previous ones, our Québec Loto- managers if you see addictive forms of gambling. Corporation is offering inappropriate, gambling-themed And research has shown that “Holiday” instant lotteries, like products to be sold for kids. Games or gambling? Playing for money goes mainstream

he show line-up for GSN professional players, makes card The notion of poker playing as a T (the GameShow Network) playing all the more attractive to credible career option, not to features at least 6 different series teen viewers. Viewers of all ages mention an actual “profession” is showcasing poker and two are rarely aware that the so-called further bolstered by these ideas of featuring high stakes Blackjack, pros playing high-stakes cards in training and practise. Parents of in addition to other gambling- these tropical settings are heavily teenagers are often relieved that themed shows. With betting pools sponsored, and don’t rely on their sons and daughters are in the six and seven figure range, winnings for their glamorous downstairs in the basement playing it’s hard to see how these poker lifestyles. cards with their friends, instead of tournaments can merit the benign Additional confusion is caused by out on the street, so it is imperative term of “game,” but GSN’s line- the glut of books, products and that awareness and education up extends the same normalization instructional guides on the market initiatives target these of gambling as ESPN’s World which claim to teach novices the misconceptions. Series of Poker. skills and techniques which will Further blurring the line between enable them to become high-rollers games of chance and games of themselves. For example, only skill is the newly announced World $34.95 USD will buy you Doyle Series of Backgammon, which Brunsons’ Super Systems II: A premiered on European TV Course in Poker Power, which screens in November. Sponsored claims to offer strategy advice and C by Partygammon.com, players poker game variations. Online could battle against the clock for training videos are also available the chance of winning 50,000 for downloading at donkit.com euros. and training “systems” can be The presence of these shows, purchased for $95 USD (or $149 complete with the colourful if you buy two) at personalities of newly crowned SystematicPoker.com.

Durand Jacobs Award: Call for Papers

he International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High- Risk Behaviors at McGill University is pleased to announce the T 2006-2007 Durand Jacobs Award. This award is for the graduate student who submits the best paper related to the psychology of addictive behaviors. This annual award is dedicated to Dr. Durand Jacobs’ lifelong efforts to help mentor students. Published and/or publishable papers will be considered by the selection committee, comprised of an international panel of experts in the field. The recipient will receive an award plaque and their work will be featured in the Youth Gambling International Newsletter. Graduate students from all related disciplines are encouraged to submit their papers by January 31st, 2007. Please submit all entries electronically to [email protected]. If you have any questions, please direct them to Dr. Alissa Sklar by email or telephone: (514) 398-2470. SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH CENTRES CENTRE FOR GAMBLING STUDIES University of Auckland, New Zealand

he Centre for Gambling health , behavioural purposes. The plan is to then Studies (CGS) at the science, primary health, develop a community development T University of Auckland, community development, Maori pilot programme for this New Zealand was founded health, Pacific health, Asian health participatory action research. in 2001 to address the escalation and youth health. Crime & Gambling of gambling activity in New There are numerous ongoing The Centre for Gambling Studies Zealand. Their principal focus lies activities at the CGS. The in a commitment to providing and Auckland University of following is a sample of some of Technology have jointly gained a independent and quality research the Centre’s ongoing projects. and learning to minimise harm new Ministry of Health Contract from gambling and to promote Interventions Research to conduct formative research into gambling related well-being in CGS has been commissioned by the links between gambling communities. the Ministry of Health to conduct (including problem gambling) and crime (focus on unreported crimes The CGS works actively to a research project to investigate the effectiveness of intervention committed by gamblers). The develop collaborations with project will investigate criminal community groups, NGOs, services for problem gambling in New Zealand. The intention is to behaviour in relation to gambling, government agencies, international using focus groups and interviews researchers and other research provide a better understanding of the range of treatment approaches with gamblers, their families and organisations. It has developed a stakeholders. number of collaborative projects utilised in New Zealand and in the areas of treatment research, maximize their effectiveness for Additional research and activities health promotion research, different segments of the include developing a conceptual community evaluation and population. framework for best practice host workforce development. CGS is Public Health/Health Promotion responsibility in gambling venues also developing project in New Zealand, formulating a relationships with a number of CGS has contributed significantly development strategy to tackle the Maori, Pacific and Asian providers. to the thinking behind gambling issue of youth gambling, as a public health concern. A 2006 researching why people choose to research study commissioned by gamble. Another study, in A Faculty Centre within the the Ministry of Health aims to conjunction with the school’s Faculty of Medical and Health develop and deliver a gambling Pacific Health section, looks at Sciences, the key members of the specific training package for the how gambling impacts on the lives CGS have an extensive wider public health workforce and of Pacific peoples. background in research and to develop a longer term workforce expertise in public health, policy development strategy and a best Key Personnel: and gambling fields and contribute practice model. · Dr. Samson Tse is the Acting to the development of the Centre, Community Indicators Project Director at the CGS. He has a its governance and research. background in occupational The Centre has ready access to CGS was commissioned by the therapy and mental health research. experts in epidemiology, statistics, Problem Gambling Foundation of Dr. Tse is the principle investigator evaluation, qualitative research, New Zealand to develop a in two major research projects on community indicators model to reasons why people gamble, and assess, monitor and evaluate the host responsibility. impact of gambling opportunities on communities. This model takes · Dr. Peter Adams, currently on the local context into account and sabbatical leave, has been the CGS is able to be translated into simple director since it began. He has a action steps, and work is being background in psychology and done to design surveys and a addictions, and has been involved manual that the community action in gambling research and groups can utilise for their own development for 12 years. Dr. Continued on page 7 Continued from page 6

Adams was also the Board Chair gambling research and development promotion, mental health of the Problem Gambling for ten years. He also served as the promotion, community Foundation (1997-2002). Deputy Chair of the Problem development. She completed two · Dr. Robert Brown has a Gambling Foundation of New projects researching community background in psychology and Zealand from 1997-2005. indicators for gambling and addictions with special interest in · Lisa Campbell is the Research improving information for territorial gambling policy and criminal and Administration Coordinator. local authorities on gambling in offending. He has been working on She has a background in health their districts.

Nova Scotia website seeks ban on VLTs

A group of Nova Scotia activists gambling, of which only 1,000 In addition to the website, are taking aim at the “crack are believed to be receiving GameOverVLTs has received cocaine of gambling” through a treatment. Every year, between funding to help support business website campaign and petition to six and ten Nova Scotians establishments (such as bars and ban VLTs from the province. commits suicide because of restaurants) that have resisted the Although Nova Scotia has only gambling problems. “easy money” promise of VLTs. 3% of Canada’s population, they have 7.5% of the country’s video Nova Scotia has only 3% of Canada’s lottery terminals, which the website organizers believe are population but 7.5% of the country’s VLTs. specifically designed to create addictions. The grassroots, non- The website, gameovervlts.com, The VLT Free campaign helps partisan group, called GameOver is a novel take on community promote these establishments as VLTs, grew out of an initial gambling problems. The site is socially responsible local meeting with former Liberal clean and well-designed, with businesses, where people with MLA and Gambling Critic Danny numerous heart-breaking stories gambling disorders, their friends Graham and a Nova Scotia from gamblers themselves. The and families can safely visit, activist group. It quickly Myths vs. Realities section offers without fear of being lured by the expanded to bring together 19 a clear, easy to understand machines. different faith communities in the rebuttal to the more common province and a number of excuses used to defend VLTs “These establishments deserve a researchers and social service (such as “banning VLTs would lot of credit for not jumping in to workers. mean a huge loss in revenue for the 'easy money' pool,” explains health and education.”). spokesperson Debbie Langille, The website was designed in herself a former VLT addict. “We response to a piece of legislation There is a page listing all the want to recognize them as well in 2005 designed to reduce the Nova Scotia MLAs, with direct as do some positive advertising number of VLTs in the province. links to their websites, so that for them.” Critics say the plan is toothless people can call or write asking and ineffectual, and will not do them to ban VLTs in the province. For more information about the anything to combat the province’s In addition, there is an electronic website, petition and other gambling problems. petition to which people (even gambling awareness initiatives non-Nova Scotians) can add their in Nova Scotia, visit It is estimated that 15,000 Nova name to a call for banning video www.gameovervlts.com. Scotians have problems with lottery terminals. Gambling & Pop Culture

For most people, gambling is an Hat table.” Although the game itself Poker: Featuring All activity framed through the media, is played by adding up values of cards In" was recently shipped for sale. In advertising, social interaction and across suits, the visual aesthetic is the "World Championship Poker" through direct experience. Much of that of an online gaming site. Cards game, players can pit their skills and the popular understanding of gambling are dealt across a casino table, and wits against some of the most heavily as fun, entertaining, exciting and even kids with the highest total win over promoted professional poker players glamourous is socially constructed the other players. Players can see the in the business, including Howard through popular culture. In recognition week’s top scores, and are advised to Lederer, Robert Williamson III, of this pop culture influence on both send this page to a friend. Marcel Luske, and Annie Duke. adolescents and adults, we offer a brief roundup of some CBS Sportline.Com: Texas of the ways in which gambling Hold’em Poker. Sponsored has appeared recently in film, by a shampoo company, this television, music and in the free online gaming site is news. available to anyone, regardless of age and is another example High Hat: CBC.ca/KIDS of how poker has become website: Parents who let their constructed as a sport in the children play games on the popular imagination. CBC Kids website may be Promoted heavily on the CBS surprised to see a casino-style card X-Box Poker: The new X-Box poker Sports website through banners, the game for kids. Called High Hat, the package, much anticipated by the game offers the opportunity to play game uses images of suspicious- electronic gaming industry, is in stores alone against the computer, with other looking adult characters sitting around now. Crave Entertainment announced players, or to invite a friend to join. a card table, with the warning that in mid-November that the Xbox 360 “competition is fierce around the High version of the "World Championship Gambling in the News

Internet gambling targeted by new customers. According to the Services Minister Gerry Phillips U.S. law Washington Post, 23 million introduced the bill, in an effort to The Unlawful Internet Gambling Americans wagered almost $6 billion protect minors from the essentially Enforcement Act became law in the on online gambling sites last year. unregulated industry, according to a on October 13, 2006, PokerStars.com, the world’s second- CTV report. The bill would prevent effectively criminalizing the placing biggest Internet poker firm, insisted media organizations from running ads of bets over the Internet. In an effort that the ban would not affect them. by gambling web sites. to target offshore Internet gambling They argue that poker is a game of Critics argue the proposed ban stems sites that have escaped regulation, the skills and not chance, and therefore from the Ontario government’s Bush administration prohibited the not subject to coverage by the bill. inability to tax online gaming revenue, use of credit cards, checks and The , a given the province’s willingness to electronic fund transfers to place and lobbying group, has said they are accept the taxable regulated gambling settle bets on a sport or a game subject planning to ask Congress to exempt industry, estimated at $1.5 billion in to chance. This controversial piece of poker from the legislation. 2005. This industry has suffered losses legislation was tacked onto a port Ontario seeks to ban online in the last couple of years, which they security bill, drawing criticism from gambling ads attribute to the growing popularity of the gambling industry that it was online gambling. A study by the snuck in without media coverage. Ontario is moving to ban advertising Responsible Gaming Council found for gambling websites, out of a This law places the burden of 5.5% of people in Ontario, aged 18 concern for their growing popularity to 24, gambled online in 2005, up enforcement on banks and other U.S. with the province’s youth. Although financial institutions, some of which from 1.4% in 2001. According to their the sites, many of which are offshore, definitions, internet gambling includes fought the legislation. This new law are illegal, some argue the federal could prove crippling to a worldwide video lottery terminals and online day government has not made the issue a trading, as well as popular sites for industry which depends heavily on high priority. Ontario Government American gamblers, their biggest online poker games. Current Publications of Interest

Presentations Dickson-Gillespie, L., Messerlian, C., & Derevensky, J. Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (in (in press). Evaluating the role of Gupta, R. (2006). Youth press). Youth gambling problems: social marketing campaigns to Gambling: A synopsis. Nova An examination of risk and prevent youth gambling problems: Scotia’s responsible Gambling protective factors. International A qualitative study. International Conference. Halifax,October Gambling Studies. Journal of Mental Health. 2006. Ellenbogen, S., Gupta, R., & Messerlian, C., Derevensky, J., & Derevensky, J. (2006). Electronic bergevin, T. (in press). A cross- Gillespie, M. (in press). Beyond gaming machines: A Canadian cultural study of gambling drugs and alcoholÊ: Including perspective. Invited address at the behaviour among adolescents. gambling in our high-risk symposium: Gambling and Journal of Gambling Studies. behavior framework. Pediatrics Problem Gambling in Norway: and Child Health. Lessons from National and Ellenbogen, S., Derevensky, J., International Research. Oslo, & Gupta, R., (in press). Gender Ste-Marie, C., Gupta, R., & Norway, October. differences among adolescents Derevensky, J. (2006). Anxiety with gambling related problems. and social stress related to Derevensky, J. (2006). What we Journal of Gambling Studies. adolescent gambling behavior and know about youth problem substance use. Journal of Child gambling: Myths, realities, and Gillespie, M., Derevensky, J., & & Adolescent Substance Use, public policy challenges. Invited Gupta, R. (in press). Adolescent 16(4) 55-74. keynote address presented at the problem gambling: Developing a Vermont Conference on Addictive gambling expectancy instrument. Turchi, R. M., & Derevensky, J. Disorders annual conference, Journal of Gambling Issues. (2006). Youth GamblingÊ: Not a Fairlee, Vermont, October. safe bet. Current Opinions in Gillespie, M., Derevensky J., & Pediatrics, 18(4), 454-458. Derevensky, J. (2006). Youth Gupta, R. (in press). The utility problem gambling: Past, present of outcome expectancies in the Wilson, D., Ross, N., Gillialand, and future challenges. Invited prediction of adolescent gambling J., Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. ( keynote address to be presented behavior. Journal of Gambling 2006). Neighborhood contexts at the National Association for Issues. and opportunities for youth Gambling Studies annual gambling in Montreal, Quebec. conference. Sydney, Australia, Gupta, R., Derevensky, J., & Canadian Journal of Public November. Ellenbogen, S. (2006). Personality Health, 97(3), 202-206. characteristics and risk-taking Publications tendencies among adolescent gamblers. Canadian Journal of Bergevin, T., Derevensky, J., Behavioural Science, 38(2), 201- Gupta, R., & Kaufman, F. (2006). 213. Adolescent gambling: Understanding the role of stress Lussier, I., Derevensky, J., Gupta, and coping. Journal of Gambling R., & Bergevin, T. (in press). Studies, 22(2), 195-208. Youth gambling behaviors: An examination of the role of Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. resilience. Psychology of (2006). Measuring gambling Addictive Behaviors. problems amongst adolescents: Current status and future Magoon, M., Gupta, R., & directions. International Derevensky, J. (in press). Gambling Studies, 6(2), Gambling among youth in 201-215. detention centers. Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services. News from the Centre ...

Dr. Rina Gupta receives 2006 publications have focused on extensive amount of publicity, NCRG Young Investigator Award identifying risk and protective factors including making the pea in writing associated with youth problem on lottery tickets themselves, doing gambling, and on the development a radio noon call-in hour on the and testing of prevention programs. subject, using messages on digital Dr. Gupta has received has received point of purchase signs and more. international recognition for her expertise, and we are very proud of Loto-Québec will also join forces on her accomplishments. this campaign for the 3rd consecutive year. Talk It Out gets talked about Centre has very productive year A new online chat service launched by the International Centre for Youth We’ve always been particularly Gambling Problems and High Risk proud of our hard-working and Behaviours in September has dedicated staff and graduate students received a fair bit of press this Fall, at the Youth Gambling Centre, but allowing us to get the word out about this has a been a particularly help available to teen gamblers. productive year. We are proud to We are pleased to announce that our announce the arrival of our newest very own co-director, Dr. Rina Gupta, Called Talk it Out!, the English- honorary team members: Carmen was the recipient of the 2006 Young language service offers free, an Messerlian and husband Dan Halton Investigator’s Award as part of the anonymous and confidential chat site welcomed Mateo Felix Halton into fifth annual National Center for for Canadian youth with trained the world on October 19, 2006; and Responsible Gaming (NCRG) psychology graduate students from Scientific Achievement Awards. Dr. McGill University, and is offered Suck Won Kim, professor of seven days a week, from 8 p.m. to psychiatry and director of the Impulse midnight EST. It can be accessed at Control Disorders Clinic at the www.gamtalk4teens.com. The chat University of Minnesota Medical service is designed as an initial School, received the 2006 Senior support service, directing teens to Investigator Award for his pioneering local resources if needed. This one- work in the pharmacological year pilot project is supported by a treatment of gambling disorders. grant from the Max Bell Foundation. The awards were presented Nov. 13th, Annual holiday lottery ticket at the 7th annual NCRG Conference awareness campaign kicks off on Gambling and Addiction, which The International Centre for Youth graduate student Jennifer Felscher is sponsored by the NCRG and the Gambling Problems has approached Institute for Research on Pathological and husband Golan Mergui lottery corporations about working welcomed Daniella Elizabeth Mergui Gambling and Related Disorders, a with us to ask parents and caregivers program at the Division on on May 28, 2006. We wish them a not to give lottery tickets as holiday hearty congratulations! Addictions at Cambridge Health gifts to underage youth. We sent out Alliance, a teaching affiliate of sample press releases, inviting them Harvard Medical School. to make this announcement in Dr. Gupta's research has had partnership with us, or to use the important implications for press release sample on their own. intervention, prevention and social We are pleased to announce that the policy. For example, her findings Atlantic Lottery Corporation will be have been translated into numerous taking on this campaign, urging curricula designed to prevent against lottery gifts to children and gambling disorders among school- teens under 18. They plan to do an age children. Her numerous Upcoming Events

Ninth Annual Statewide Compulsive Gambling Awareness Conference March 22 - 23, 2007 Green Lake, Wisconsin, USA

NASP 2007 Annual Convention March 27-31, 2007 New York, NY, USA

6th Annual Alberta Conference on Gambling Research March 30 - 31, 2007 Banff, Alberta, Canada

Western Regional Gambling Youth Conference YGI Newsletter April 5-6, 2007 Seattle, Washington, USA A Quarterly Publication by the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High- Risk Behaviors

Editor Alissa Sklar

Design Lei Chen

3724 McTavish Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1Y2 Phone: 514-398-1391 Fax: 514-398-3401 Email: [email protected]

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