Fall, 2003 VolumeWinter, 3, Issue 2003 3 Volume 3, Issue 4

Legislative Activity and Inactivity Professor, I Nelson Rose Whittier Law School FEATURE ARTICLE egal is a creature There are only two other times significant. The major difference Lcreated by legislation. , legislatures get involved in rethinking between now and then is that state lotteries and racetracks cannot legal gambling; when scandal hits, gambling has become an accepted exist without specific laws calling or the state needs more money. The part of modern Western societies, them into existence and giving them budgets of almost every state were that movements to legalize are more shape. devastated by the terrorist attacks of likely to succeed, and more likely to Sept. 11, 2001, and the attract young patrons. ensuing economic So far, no one has suggested that recession. Thus, it is not existing operations could increase surprising that their customer bases by lowering the governments all over gambling age. Owners and operators North America have of all forms of legal gambling have been looking at found that when the minimum age expanding legal for placing a legal bet is 18-years- gambling, or increasing old, the 18- to 21-year-olds are an the tax on existing unimportant part of their market. operations. The New York State Legislature, for example, passed Inside this issue laws allowing full-scale tribal casinos and the introduction of slot Legislative Activity and Inactivity 1 machines in racetracks. Bet You Didn’t Know 2 The most extreme example of a state trying 3 to squeeze every cent it Pursuing Pleasure 5 can from legalized gaming is Illinois, Education in 7 But once the basic framework has where the highest tax bracket on School Connectedness 8 been laid down, most state legislators revenue was raised to an tend to lose interest. The day-to-day unprecedented 70%. Let’s Talk Prevention 10 governing is turned over to regulators and the industry itself. Certainly, The effects of the expansion of legal News from Nottingham Trent 11 issues are regularly brought gambling in the early 21st century is up before lawmakers for a vote. But not significantly different from the New Publications 12 most of the actual work is done by expansion that took place in the late committees and subcommittees, 20th century. Availability will create * * * whose reports and recommendations more opportunities for News from Centre 13 are rarely overturned. So, most gambling. Because there is already Upcoming events 14 legislative changes affecting existing so much commercial, charitable and legal gambling are fairly minor tribal gaming in the reforms. and , the recent and future increases are not particularly Continued on page 2

© Copyright 2003, all rights reserved worldwide Gambling and the Law® is a registered trademark of Professor I Nelson Rose, Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa, CA Continued from page1

Put another way, raising the minimum selling lottery tickets to 18-year-olds. age group. Dr. Rachel Volberg, found gambling age from 18, to 21, does So, on June 1, 2003, the minimum that, in the relatively few studies that not have a significant impact on the age was raised to 21 across the board, have been done, 18- to 21-year-olds bottom-line. for tribal casinos, state lottery tickets, are three times as likely to have The few legislators who have looked and parimutuel wagering. problems with gambling as in the at the issue have learned quickly that In the early 1990s, the Louisiana general population. At trial, the lowering the minimum age to gamble, Legislature followed the lead of every State’s expert, Dr. James Westphal, even if it were politically and morally other state in the US and raised its testified that, “Although the 18 to 20 possible, would not bring in minimum from 18 year-old age group only comprises significantly more money for the to 21. The Louisiana Supreme Court 8.2% of the total adult population, state. On the other hand, there is also upheld that law in 1996. The case is that age group makes up 22.5% of no reason to think about raising the significant because, under Louisiana total adults with gambling disorders.” minimum age, once it has been set, laws, not only is an 18-year-old a full The bottom-line for those interested or doing anything else about youth adult for all purposes, but the in raising the minimum gambling age gambling – unless there is a scandal. Louisiana Constitution also has an is clear. Governments at all levels Thus, only a few jurisdictions have unusual Individual Dignity Clause, have the power to make 21 the changed their minimum age for a unique provision that gives greater minimum age for any or all forms of gambling in the last few years. Those protection against age discrimination gambling. There are no legal barriers. that have have almost consistently than either the United States The problem remains getting the raised it from 18 to 21. Constitution or any other State Legislature’s attention. The most important modifications of Constitution. But the Court found Professor I Nelson Rose’s website is minimum gambling ages came from there was an “appropriate government www.GamblingAndTheLaw.com Arizona and Louisiana. Arizona was purpose” in improving highway faced with large-scale tribal casinos safety for all citizens. with expiring compacts. Under The case also led the Louisiana American federal law, tribes may Legislature in 1998 to raise the only operate slot machines and minimum age to gamble on both the banking table games if they have State Lottery and privately owned compacts with the states in which the video poker machines from 18 to 21. casinos are located. The Arizona In 2001 the State Supreme Court, in Legislature was willing to agree to a split decision, upheld that law as renew the compacts, and even allow well. The Court was divided, tribal casinos to expand, but it wanted however, because, while there is to impose new restrictions, including extensive evidence of the dangers of raising the minimum gambling age letting young people drink and drive, to 21. The tribes argued that it was the U.S. – and, in fact, the entire unfair to ask them to exclude players world – has little experience with under 21 when the state itself was widespread legal gambling for any

Bet You Didn’t Know...

he Institute and the currently available on their website resident who didn’t claim a winning T Massachusetts Council on (www.masscompulsivegambling.org) lottery ticket until after the 180-day Compulsive Gambling collaborated or by contacting the Massachusetts deadline has missed out on $50 on the development of a research- Council on Compulsive Gambling, million dollars! Florida lottery based minimal intervention response 190 High Street, Suite 5, Boston, MA spokeswoman is quoted as saying for help seekers. Your First Step to 02110-3031. “Somebody didn’t get their $50 Change is a self-help guide for oo Late! million. There is no second chance.” individuals experiencing gambling- According to the report, it was the related problems but unlikely or T According to an online U.S. largest of 19 unclaimed jackpots in unable to get professional treatment. National-Reuters news story the 15-year history of the Florida A PDF version of the guide is published on Sept. 9th, a Florida Lottery. Juvenile Delinquency and Adolescent Gambling: Implications for the Juvenile Justice System Maggie E. Magoon, Ph.D. International Centre for Youth Gambling and High-Risk Behaviors

espite the increasing body of Gupta, 1998; Westphal et al., 1998). delinquent acts (particularly theft- Dliterature that supports the This is up to nine times the rate of related crimes); those suspected of connection between adolescent pathological gamblers in the general participating in gambling; and during gambling and a number of risk- adolescent population (4-7%) and a intake processing into the juvenile taking behaviors, only a small minimum of approximately 20 times justice system. The three main scales number of studies have measured that of the adult general population used to measure adolescent gambling behavior among of pathological gamblers (1-3%). gambling are the Gamblers incarcerated adolescents Additionally, while males and Anonymous Twenty Questions (Derevensky & Gupta, 1998; females in the general adolescent (GA20) screen, The Diagnostic Maden, Winton, & Gunn, 1992; population typically differ on several Statistical Manual-IV-Multiple Westphal, Rush, Stevens, & characteristics (i.e., money wagered, Response-Juvenile (DSM-IV-MR- Johnson, 1998). In surveying age of self-esteem), Derevensky and Gupta J; Fisher, 2000), and The South Oaks onset of problem behaviors, did not find these differences within Gambling Screen-Revised for gambling often precedes other risky Adolescents (SOGS-RA; Winters, behaviors, possibly serving as a Stinchfield, & Fulkerson, 1993a, gateway behavior. This is of 1993b). The judicial system may paramount importance when also elect to use a pre-existing intake excessive participation in gambling form such as the Gambling-Related results in committing delinquent or Occurrence Report (GOR) (Smith, illegal acts to support a gambling Wynne, & Hartnagel, 2003) which habit. Incarcerated adolescents requests law enforcement officials represent a high-risk population for to include questions pertaining to gambling problems (Westphal et al., gambling on their juvenile intake 1998), and the judicial system and form. youth workers need to be aware and take into consideration that problem Prevention, Intervention, and gambling may cause many Treatment for Identified Youth adolescent criminal behaviors which Once a young person has been necessitate treatment. identified, the individual can be channeled into intervention, Criminal Acts Associated with their incarcerated sample of Gambling treatment, and follow-up depending adolescents. Further research is on severity. Delinquency, substance Adolescent gambling-related needed to ascertain whether abuse, and excessive gambling are delinquent/illegal behaviors may adolescent residential groups may often highly correlated and even include truancy, selling drugs, be following the substance use trend more so at the pathological level. shoplifting, stealing money, or of “normalization,” in which gender Effective programs should address working for bookmakers. differences may disappear. multiple addictive patterns, Derevensky and Gupta (2000) Identifying At-Risk Youth incorporating various theoretical reported that 42.4% of problem and foundations to elucidate and guide pathological gamblers report Early identification of gambling programs, and tap multiple domains borrowing or stealing money in problems should be incorporated of an adolescent’s environment. order to cover gambling debts, and into juvenile treatment plans, health Collaboration among agencies 21% report committing or programs, institutional and including schools, community considered committing illegal acts governmental policies, and mental health agencies, state juvenile to finance their gambling. community action plans. Screening justice systems, and law enforcement Prevalence rates of problem for adolescents should take place on is necessary to tap all areas. If gambling were found to increase at least three levels: individuals who incarcerated adolescents are dramatically for incarcerated are suspected of having a substance identified, it is an opportune time adolescents, with 18-38% reporting abuse problem, those having for them to receive treatment. Not pathological gambling extreme difficulties at home or only are they a “captive audience” symptomology (Derevensky & school, or youth engaging in to receive educational material, but

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likelihood that the adolescent will References continue his/her behavior upon Dembo, R., & Pacheco, K. (1999). Criminal release, with possible adult justice responses to adolescent substance pathological gambling and its abuse. In R.T. Ammerman, P.J. Ott, & R.E. associated problems looming in the Tarter. (Eds.), Prevention and societal future. impact of drug and alcohol abuse. For decades, adolescent substance Derevensky, J.L., & Gupta, R. (1998). Pathological gambling problems among a abuse data have been routinely population of delinquent adolescents. gathered on an international level National Conference on Compulsive in schools, community mental health Gambling, Las Vegas, Nevada. centers, and the juvenile justice Derevensky, J.L., & Gupta, R. (2000). system. However, the impact of Prevalence estimates of adolescent adolescent problem gambling has gambling: A comparison of the SOGS-RA, not yet been addressed in this DSM-IV-J, and the GA 20 Questions. manner and is only beginning to Journal of Gambling Studies, 16(2/3), 227- 251. they are also currently abstaining come on the radar screens of from the addictive behavior. This legislators and social policy experts. Fisher, S. (1993). Gambling and benefits not only the juvenile justice pathological gambling in adolescents. Routine studies searching for Journal of Gambling Studies, 9, 257-288. system in decreased caseloads, prevalence rates, antecedents, treatment, and incarceration costs corollaries, and science-based Fisher, S. (2000). Developing the DSM- but also society at large through evaluation of prevention and IV-MR-J criteria to identify adolescent lower potential adult pathological problem gambling in non-clinical treatment programs must be given populations. Journal of Gambling Studies, gambling, decreased gambling- importance. Additionally, in criminal 16, 253-274. related crime, and increased cases, especially those involving individual well-being. Jacobs, D.F. (2000). Juvenile gambling in stealing, legal professionals need to North America: An analysis of long term- Conclusions and be educated to consider that a term trends and future prospects. Journal Recommendations gambling problem could underlie of Gambling Studies, 16(2/3), 119-152. the behavior. Adolescence is a time of Kearney, C.A., Roblek, T., Thurman, J., & Involvement in the judicial system Turnbough, P.D. (1996). Casino gambling egocentrism, to test boundaries and in private schools and adjudicated societal restrictions. However, once may be the red flag indicator that a youngsters: A survey of practices and this normal testing is surpassed and severe gambling problem exists and related variables. Journal of Gambling youth exhibit behaviors at the treatment is needed. Without Studies, 12(3), 319-327. treatment and follow-up, returning problem or pathological level, Maden, T., Swinton, M., & Gunn, J. (1992). criminal acts are frequently to an environment in which the Gambling in young offenders. Criminal committed to support a habit adolescent has alienated his/her Behavior and Mental Health, 2, 300-308. resulting in possible legal problems. protective support system and/or an environment which supports Smith, G., Wynne, H., & Hartnagel, T. Since adolescent pathological (2003). Examining police records to assess gambling prevalence rates are gambling and criminal behavior gambling impacts: A study of gambling- greater than adult pathological places the adolescent in a dubious related crime in the city of Edmonton. gambling prevalence rates, there is position with small chance of Edmonton: Alberta Gaming Research the assumption that adolescents recovery or “maturing out” of these Institute. “mature out” of this behavior. risky behaviors. Thus, incorporating Westphal, J.R. Rush, J.A., Stevens, L., & However, it is unknown at this time treatment and follow-up into Johnson, L.J. (1998). Gambling behavior what damage has already been done rehabilitation programs for of adolescents in residential placement in incarcerated adolescents and their northwest Louisiana. Southern Medical to the adolescent’s life. For juveniles Journal, 91(11), 1038-1041. who have been incarcerated, a families will minimize the risk of critical point has been reached where relapse and future criminal acts. Winters, K.C., Stinchfield, R., & Fulkerson, the chance of maturing out of this J. (1993a). Toward the development of an For a copy of the full article or adolescent gambling problem severity scale. behavior is questionable and a complete list of citations, contact Journal of Gambling Studies, 9(1), 63-84. positive trajectory for their lives [email protected]. becomes even less certain. If Winters, K.C., Stinchfield, R., & Fulkerson, effective policies are not instituted J. (1993b). Patterns and characteristics of adolescent gambling. Journal of Gambling and intervention or treatment does Studies, 9(4), 371-386. not take place, there is an increased Pursuing Pleasure Harjit Aulakh, M.A. International Centre for Youth Gambling and High-Risk Behaviors

We have all indulged ourselves with Recent neurophysiology data on both system is culpable for my unabated things that we find pleasurable. As humans and animals has begun to cravings for chocolate, but cannot for myself, a fine meal proceeded uncover information on the neural be blamed for why I like chocolate by a decadent chocolate dessert, pathways, neurotransmitters, and in the first place. Yet how is it that followed by reading a good book brain structures involved in dopamine neurons are able to make and listening to Miles Davis would processing rewards and penalties for us covet our daily rewards when we be the ultimate reward for a hard both natural rewards as well as for do, and how do they help us learn days work. Food, drink, and sex secondary rewards. Whereas how to best predict when we will (although chocolate is a possible researchers suggest that serotonin get them? substitute) are natural or primary and norepinephrine play a key role In a review of the research examining rewards that we find gratifying and in the initiation, development and dopamine’s role in reward, Schultz which we pursue with various manifestation of addictions, it is (2000) reports that when a novel or degrees of motivation throughout postulated that dopamine is central unexpected reward occurs, dopamine our lifespan. In addition to these, to the processing of rewards and neurons respond with a burst of there are many secondary rewards penalties, and therefore its role is firing. When the reward is repeatedly that humans find pleasurable critical in the maintenance of received, it becomes associated with including drugs such as nicotine and addictions (Hollander, Buchalter, & particular predictive cues and a alcohol, music, money, and on the DeCaria, 2000). specific set of actions which help rare occasion, conducting research predict its re-occurrence. The higher has also been known to be rewarding the likelihood that these cues and for some. How is it then that these behaviours predict receiving the pursuits of pleasure become, for reward, the more dopamine neurons some, addictions? will begin to fire when the cues are New advancements in technology present, and not when you actually have allowed researchers to begin receive the reward itself. Further, if to see if part of the answer to this an expected reward is omitted, question lies in the reward system dopamine neurons are reported to of the brain. By increasing our decrease in firing at the time when understanding of how the reward the reward was expected to occur. system in the brain functions These findings clarify how I’ve come normally in humans across the to learn that every time I see a lifespan, we can begin to understand vending machine (predictive cue), I the role that this system may play The mesolimbic dopamine system will get chocolate (reward), as well when the pursuit of rewards becomes is believed to be crucial to not only as why walking past a vending an addiction, such as in the case of our ability to experience a reward, machine itself makes me crave pathological gamblers. but also in our reward seeking chocolate and seems to improve my While there is extensive literature behaviours . Berridge and Robinson mood immeasurably, even before I on how the brain functions when (1998) posit that this system is begin to eat my chocolate treasure. processing rewards in animals, the responsible for determining our Yet what happens when rewards are study of these pursuits in humans “wanting” a reward, but not for not easily predicted, or are uncertain, across the lifespan is much more whether we like or prefer a particular as is often the case, and how is complex, and the literature is only reward. Current research also dopamine involved in our reward- just beginning to unveil how our indicates that the dopamine neurons seeking behaviours? brain responds to pleasurable stimuli. respond in such a manner as to Two recent studies have tackled both A fuller understanding of this provide a teaching signal that is of these questions and presented very research will not only help us better essential to the associative learning interesting results that have further understand what drives us in our process during which we learn what shed light not only on what may daily pursuits of pleasure, such as behaviours or stimuli best predict trigger me to go to the lengths that my quest for chocolate, but also how the acquisition of a reward (Waelti, I do to acquire chocolate, but also these pursuits may become excessive Dickinson, & Schultz, 2001). These on how pathological pursuits of and dysfunctional. findings suggest that the dopamine pleasure may be maintained. Continued on page 6 Continued from page5

Fiorillo, Tobler and Shultz’s (2003) with reward seeking-behaviours the reward systems in normal, healthy research examined how dopamine (sitting down at a table, wagering, individuals while carrying out neurons responded to predictive cues etc.) would be associated with the gambling tasks have begun to when rewards were presented in win. As these cues are not highly emerge. Unfortunately, there remains different magnitudes and at different predictive of future winnings, overall a void of information on how the probabilities. When uncertainty was dopamine release would in fact be mesolimbic dopamine reward system maximal, they found that dopamine greater than if they were, provided functions in pathological gamblers neurons responded with a steady, wins did occur intermittently. relative to non-gamblers, which sustained increase in overall activity Furthermore, if the subsequent ultimately may provide the key to from the time that the cue was first sporadic wins were for larger understanding gambling cravings and presented to when the potential amounts of money, the overall preventing relapse. reward was to be delivered. Their amount of dopamine released References findings suggest that the greatest between when the predictive cue was amount of dopamine was released Berridge, K. C., and Robinson, T. (1998). presented and when a possible reward What is the role of dopamine in reward: when the likelihood of getting a occurred would also be greater. For hedonic impact, reward learning, or incentive reward was just as good as not getting an individual who has become a salience? Brain Research Reviews, 28, 309- one, and when the magnitude of the pathological gambler, merely being 369. possible reward was larger. Phillips, presented with the predictive cue (i.e. Fiorillo, C. D., Tobler, P. N., and Schultz, Stuber, Heien, Wightman, and Carelli seeing a deck of cards) will set off a W. (2003). Discrete coding of reward (2003) also had similar findings when probability and uncertainty by dopamine release of dopamine along with a neurons. Science, 299, 1898-1902. they examined sub-second dopamine craving to win and trigger reward- neuron activity. They found that a seeking behaviors (going to casino Hollander, E., Buchalter, A., and DeCaria, brief dopamine pulse could be C. (2000). Pathological gambling. and gambling), thereby maintaining Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 23(3), triggered when a pre-learned their gambling addiction. However, predictive cue was presented, 629-642. Phillip and colleagues’ findings Phillips, P. E., Stuber, G. D., Heien, M., followed by a series of drug-seeking suggest that after neuroadaptation in behaviours, during which time Wightman, R. M., and Carelli, R. (2003). the reward system occurs, unrelated Subsecond dopamine release promotes dopamine release would steadily rewarding events that trigger an cocaine seeking. Nature Reviews increase until the reward (cocaine) increase in dopamine release, (i.e. Neuroscience, 422, 614-618. was received. Unlike in Fiorillo et getting a raise at work), might in fact Schultz, W. (2000). Multiple reward signals al.’s study, this occurred regardless trigger a craving to gamble and in the brain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, of the predictability of the reward. prompt reward-seeking behaviours, 1(3), 199-207. Another significant finding was that thereby precipitating a relapse. Waelti, P., Dickinson, A., Schultz, W. (2001). they were able to induce drug- Dopamine responses comply with basic seeking behaviours without Whereas this literature to date has assumptions of formal learning theory. presenting the predictive cue, but by certainly gone a long way to Nature, 412, 43-48. electrically stimulating the release explaining my love and of dopamine. The results from both craving for chocolate, of these studies have significant as of yet, only a few implications not only for why simply pieces of the complex walking past a vending machine will etiological puzzle of give me a sense of pleasure, pathological gambling triggering a strong unexpected have been uncovered. craving for chocolate, and compel Animal research me to frantically search for change, continues to be but also has significant implications paramount in helping as to how cravings may be initiated us develop the and how addictions may be groundwork for maintained. understanding the possible underlying In the case of gambling, these neurological etiology; findings suggest that winning money however, there remains unexpectedly for the first time will a paucity of human trigger a burst of firing of dopamine research looking at neurons and dopamine release into how the brain functions the reward structures of the brain. when gambling. More Possible predictive cues associated recently, fMRI and with the win (being in a casino, PET studies looking at seeing a deck of cards, etc.), along Prevention through Early Childhood Education: A Case from Egypt Carmen Messerlian, M.Sc. Director Program Development International Centre for Youth Gambling and High-Risk Behaviors recently had the privilege of 50th for quality of education, 44th for been identified as a main determinant Ispending three weeks in the Arab coverage of tertiary education, and in non-enrollment and dropping out, Republic of Egypt as a consultant on 50th for research and development as the opportunity costs of sending a joint Canadian International spending. Egypt can ill afford the children (especially girls) to school Development Agency (CIDA) and constraints of a poor quality education is low. The Early Childhood World Bank project on early system that hampers its ability to Education Enhancement Project aims childhood education. Over the last compete in a global market. to support Egypt in providing quality few years, Egypt has shown strong early childhood education that commitment to enhancing the Kindergarten enrollment is low across improves school readiness of 4 and education of children and has Egypt; however significant 5 year old children, particularly the recognized the value of early geographical, economic and gender disadvantaged. There are three main childhood education as an important disparities in enrollment persist. In components to the project. First, the element in human and economic 2001 the enrollment rate for project aims to increase access to development. This commitment kindergarten (KG) was 12% and the quality kindergarten education stems partly from the fact that Egypt Egyptian government’s goal is to through building of new facilities and finds itself within a rapidly changing increase this rate to 60% by 2010. expanding non-government sector global context which places high In the more disadvantaged regions KGs in disadvantaged areas. This demand for a highly skilled labour of the country, demand for education component also includes increasing force, and from the fact that currently, is very low and gender inequalities participation and retention of KG Egypt ranks very low within the in enrollment are high. More than children through increasing demand global growth competitive index. Of 300 KG classrooms were shut down for KG within families and 59 countries evaluated, Egypt ranked due to lack of enrollment, primarily communities. 48th for average years of schooling, in poorer rural areas. Poverty has Second, the project aims to enhance the quality of KG programs by developing a teacher training system in order to increase the number of highly qualified and skilled teachers with knowledge and expertise in early childhood education and development. As well, the project aims to develop a child-centered curriculum that can be implemented throughout Egypt. The project further examins and addresses the health and nutritional needs of KG children of which I had the very interesting role of focusing on. While Egypt has made great strides over the last decade with regards to improving the health and nutritional status of children under five, there is an urgent need to continue to build on these gains and improve the health outcomes of all girls and Continued on page 8 Continued from page7 boys. In many parts of Egypt, of Education and Health, as well as government, local experts, community significant health and nutritional with front-line workers in both rural workers, teachers and parents ever inequalities continue to exist among and urban schools, it was present throughout the three week children disadvantaged by gender, recommended that government school mission is a testament to the value geography, and income. For example, feeding programs be enhanced and and importance the people of Egypt children under five years of age in expanded to reach all KG children place on children. With the support the lowest income quintile were 3.76 for the maximum number of days per of expertise and funding from the times more likely to die before the year, and partnering with the World Canadian government, and with its age of five as compared to children Food Programme to specifically reach continued dedication, Egypt may be in the highest income quintile. There children in disadvantaged areas. better able to respond to the growing is considerable evidence indicating Recommendations were also made needs of its people and country. Early that undernourished and unhealthy with regards to enhancing KG childhood education is the bedrock children are less able to learn, grow teachers’ knowledge and skills of social and economic growth and and develop their full potential. regarding relevant health issues and development and should be a leading Education depends on good nutrition including health, hygiene and nutrition priority for all countries throughout and health. It is now well known that in the KG curriculum. At present, the world. While this article does not the nutrition and health status of KG children receive little to no health address gambling issues or other children influences their learning education, and many teachers have addictions, providing a solid potential and cognitive development. limited awareness of the serious health foundation for young children may risks many children face. help minimise future risk behaviours. Local nutrition concerns in Egypt include protein-energy malnutrition, Third, the project aims to improve micronutrient deficiencies such as capacity through the development of iron and vitamin A, parasitic national standards of regulation and infections and hunger. Conservative monitoring, and by mobilizing and estimates suggest that in 2001, more strengthening community than 161,000 children under five were participation. The first two malnourished. Further, the prevalence components of the project will be of stunting is approximately 19% and severely limited without the full the rate increases to almost 39% for commitment of community children in the poorest quintile living organizations and resources and in rural areas. without support for capacity building within the Ministry of Education. Based on discussions with numerous local stakeholders including UNICEF, While this brief description of the UN World Food Programme, the project seems ambitious, the high Egyptian Nutrition Institute, Ministers degree of commitment from

School Connectedness and First Nation Youth

Isabelle Lussier, B.A. International Centre for Youth Gambling and High-Risk Behaviors First Nation youth make up the of tradition and culture. This also have the highest smoking rate largest segment of the First Nation oppression has led to common of all major racial groups in the population (Royal Commission on psychological consequences among United States (Kegler, Cleaver & Aboriginal Peoples, 1996). There First Nation people including being Kingsley, 2000). are so many differences between the at greater risk for developing alcohol many First Nation communities in and other drug problems (Beauvais, Research over the last decade has Canada that to make any 1996), gambling (Schissel, 2001), highlighted the importance of school generalisations about First Nation dropping out of school (Royal and family connectedness as a people seems arbitrary. However, Commission on First Nation protective factor in the development one significant commonality which Peoples, 1996), and suicide of risk behaviours (Werner & Smith, unites them is a shared history of (Wissow, Walkup, Barlow, Reid & 1992). School connectedness, or intense oppression, resulting in loss Kane, 2001). First Nation people perceptions of school as a community, maintenance of positive Continued on page 9 Continued from page8

feelings toward school, and enhance risk for poor school success. connectedness have been outlined by enjoyment of school, may protect For example, the competition found Fisher, et al. (1999). They recommend adolescents from feelings of in the majority of schools is that schools reach out to parents, that hopelessness, and foster positive inconsistent with the First Nation First Nation content and learning developmental outcomes (Battistich cultural tendency for co-operation styles be incorporated into school & Hom, 1997; Beauvais, 1996). (Fisher, Bacon & Storck, 1998). curricula, that teachers make an effort Bullerdick (2000) found that for Fisher and colleagues (1999) to attend First Nation events and visit children, school connectedness demonstrate that First Nation adults homes, and that community centres accounted for the greatest proportion may interpret a child who “acts out” for families be set up directly in of emotional well-being. First Nation as adaptive whereas a formal school schools. These are lofty goals, but it youth who stay in school report the teacher may interpret the same child is only through partnerships with same high levels of connectedness to critically. Further, teachers more educators, clinicians, and families school and families as non First frequently report protective factors that the educational system will Nation children their own age in Caucasian students and risk factors adequately address the needs of (Machamer, 1998; Tonkin et al., in First Nation students, a concept minority youth. 2000). Conversely, Beauvais (1996) referred to as the “halo effect” (Fisher, demonstrated that First Nation et al., 1999). Many First Nation communities have adolescents who drop out of school persevered and succeeded in are more likely to engage in The current school systems in North balancing majority and personal maladaptive behaviours. cultures on their own terms (Fisher, et al., 1998; Vick-Westgate, 2002). An encouraging trend is that school The people of the Nunavik attendance and grade 12 GPA for community in Québec, Canada are First Nation students is on the rise among the first in North America to (Tonkin et al., 2000). However, they gain control of their educational are still less likely than non First system. Resilience research Nation students to graduate from high demonstrates that strong school and school. Cummins, Ireland, Resnick, family connectedness help protect and Blum (1999) found that personal youth from adverse life circumstances and group identity, friendships, family and poor outcomes. Research on support, extracurricular activity and resilience is important for the traditional cultural activities are development of effective, science- correlated with reduced dropout rates based intervention programs geared for First Nation youth. School toward fostering resilient connectedness appears to be an development. important component of resilience America are criticised by some for First Nation . researchers for their lack of cultural There is currently little resilience awareness by staff, and lack of First research directed specifically toward It has been suggested that First Nation Nation content in the curricula First Nation people. More research youths may look to areas other than (Fisher, et al.,1998; Tonkin, et al., is needed to determine how protective school for self validation because 2000). Worldwide, First Nation processes in these populations lead school has become a place of people have been excluded from to adaptive behaviours such as school expected failure and cultural conflict policy making, administration, and connectedness. for them (Beiser, Lancee, Gotowie, teaching in the school systems within Sack & Redshirt, 1993). First Nation The study of First Nation youths may their communities (Vick-Westgate, support and broaden contemporary adolescents that reside outside of a 2002). Few First Nation children go reservation may be vulnerable to theories of typical and atypical on to higher education. In fact, among development and provide information increased familial stress and First Nation people, there is little encounter cultural conflicts in of risk and protective factors that may perceived connection between having be applicable to resilience in a mainstream educational settings a formal education and ‘making it’ (Machamer, 1998). The discrepancy particular culture or more generally in the world (Vick-Westgate, 2002). to North American society. between school connectedness and First Nation parents are less familial connectedness for First comfortable entering a formal school For a complete list of references, please Nation youths demonstrates a cultural and are less likely to interact with contact Isabelle Lussier at: alienation from educational settings teachers, or to involve themselves in [email protected] (Fisher, Storck & Bacon, 1999). school activities such as parent- There are also incompatibilities and teacher meetings (Fisher, et al., 1999). contradictions between the First Future directions for educational Nation and majority culture which programs which strengthen school Let’s talk prevention ® New Awareness Initiative Anne-Elyse Deguire, M.Sc. Prevention Specialist International Centre for Youth Gambling and High-Risk Behaviors

when they are This year, we have invited students developed and to develop a public service conveyed by or in announcement (PSA) that could collaboration with possibly be broadcasted on the teens themselves. radio. This contest targets all high school students in the province of Since this Quebec and begins January 12th, generation of 2004. youth is the first to grow up in a Winners of the contest will be society where announced on Friday, April 2nd gambling is not 2004 at the International Centre only managed by for Youth Gambling Problems and the state but is also High-Risk Behaviors. Messages heavily promoted will be judged by a panel of people and easily working in the field of education, accessible, it the media and prevention. We will becomes be sure to keep you informed of imperative to the results. better educate teenagers about For further information regarding the potential the PSA contest, please contact dangers associated Anne-Elyse Deguire at: anne- with engaging in [email protected]. gambling activities. here are several essential Tcomponents to prevention Our Centre held a province-wide initiatives that promote a harm- poster contest in which more than reduction paradigm. Raising 184 students participated. The awareness and educating people winners of the contest received on the risks and consequences of great prizes and their artwork was a potentially harmful behaviour is distributed across all Quebec high one important aspect. Awareness schools as part of the Centre’s and education initiatives can be prevention and awareness outreach implemented through a variety of campaign. This campaign aimed mediums and can either target the to increase knowledge,promote population at large or a specific competencies, and modify attitudes sub-group of the population. While and erroneous cognitions designing awareness strategies concerning gambling in order to targeting youth, research indicates help support today’s youth to that messages are most effective become responsible adults. The International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University Mark Griffiths, Richard Wood, Jonathan Parke, Mark Davies, Adrian Parke and Darren Chappell

e are pleased to announce · Examining how new technologies It is clear that Nottingham Trent Wthe formation of the affect our lives and how they may has a growing number of experts International Gaming Research be changing the way we live in the emerging field of Gambling Unit (IGRU) based at Nottingham · Identifying those factors that help Studies. The team is headed by Trent University (UK). Our main people to engage in these activities Professor Mark Griffiths (Europe’s focus will be to conduct research at a healthy and enjoyable level. only Professor of Gambling on gaming, risk taking, and · Promoting healthy attitudes and Studies). His colleagues include interactive technologies. We have behaviour patterns in relation to his core team of psychologists recently launched this unit as an these activities (Richard Wood, Jonathan Parke, autonomous research and · Identifying vulnerable people Mark Davies, Adrian Parke and consultancy base from within the who are most at risk of developing Darren Chappell) as well as affiliate University. We aim to be a leading behavioural problems with these members from other parts of the international centre of academic activities, and designing prevention university. This includes Leighton research excellence into the strategies to minimize the risk of Vaughan Williams (economics), psychological and social impact of such people developing problems Mike Sutton (Criminology) and gambling, risk-taking and · Identifying the underlying factors Mike Ahearne. All staff are engaged interactive technologies (e.g., that contribute to some people in a variety of research projects and videogame playing, mobile phone developing psychological and also contribute to the Gambling gaming etc.). behavioural dependencies in Studies course at Nottingham Trent relation to some of these activities/ University. The team have Gambling, video game playing and technologies produced a large number of other interactive technologies are · Evaluating the effectiveness of published outputs both in gambling undergoing rapid changes both prevention, intervention, and and computer gaming. We look technologically and in terms of the treatment programmes forward to your inputs and to levels people use them. Such · Providing expert knowledge and building working relationships with technologies offer huge training for people or institutions everyone in the gambling research entertainment and/or concerned with gaming and the use community. communication advantages for the of interactive technologies. http://ess.ntu.ac.uk/gamingresear majority of people. At the same ch/index.htm time, whilst it is important that these advantages are maintained it is also important that any problematic behavioural issues are identified and guarded against as much as is possible. Our aim is to promote the responsible use of these activities through the application of quality research: · Discovering and understanding public attitudes toward gambling, game playing, internet usage and other interactive technologies through both cross-sectional and longitudinal research Interesting New Publications

Shaffer, H. J., Hall, M. N., Vander For the past several years Evans and Most current gambling prevention Bilt, J., George, E. & Cummings, his colleagues have explored the area programs have seldom been guided T. N. (2003) Futures at Stake: Youth, of how social psychological by theoretical models. Developers of Gambling, and Society Reno, constructs and theoretical models can gambling prevention programs should Nevada: University of Nevada be applied to the prevention of health consider theoretical foundations, Press. threatening behaviors in adolescents. particularly since such foundations In examining the need for the not only provide a guide for program The widespread legalization of development of gambling prevention development, but may become critical gambling across the U.S. has programs for adolescents, it might be tools in evaluating their effectiveness produced concerns for serious social, of value to consider the application economic, and health problems. For of such constructs and theoretical the first time in the US, an entire models as a foundation to the Korn, D., Gibbins, R. & Azmier, J. generation of young people has development of prevention programs (2003). Framing Public Policy reached adulthood within a context in this emerging problem behavior Towards a Public Health Paradigm of approval and endorsement of among adolescents. for Gambling. Journal of Gambling gambling as a source of entertainment Studies, 19(2), 235-256. and recreation. Compared with their adult counterparts, these young This paper examines the public policy people have evidenced a higher level value of looking at gambling from a of gambling related problems. In public health perspective. They Futures at Stake, specialists in contend that if the manner in which psychology, medicine, law, public social issues are framed will either health, economics, casino expand or curtail public policy management, psychiatry, and debates. The existing and traditional criminal justice examine this problem frames for gambling (e.g. gambling from the perspective of their various as a matter of individual freedom, disciplines, producing an intelligent, gambling as a form of recreation) fail thought-provoking, and valuable to consider research on the social and survey of what is fast becoming a economic impacts of gambling. leading social-health problem across Because a public health frame offers the nation. a broad viewpoint of society, it The chapters range from discussions encompasses a number of social and of the pathology and treatment of economic impacts not considered in In order to provide perspective to the traditional frames. However, the gambling addictions, the legal reader, the present paper reviews the ramifications of youth gambling, and existing gambling frames enjoy history of various psychosocial varying degrees of cultural, economic, the social and economic impacts of models and constructs generic to this problem to the efforts of the and political support and, as a result, programs directed at prevention of creating a higher profile for a public casino industry to limit access and substance abuse in adolescents. A appeal to juveniles, future prospects health framework will encounter a brief history of some of these models, number of barriers. of youth gambling, and possible ways possibly most applicable to gambling to control the problem. Overall, prevention programs, are presented. Research can play a decisive role in Futures at Stake offers a broadly Social inoculation, reasoned action, overcoming these barriers, as it has focused discussion of one of legalized planned behavior, and problem in a number of related fields (e.g., gambling's ugliest and most damaging behavior theory, are among those tobacco use, addiction and product side-effects. The book is essential discussed. Some deficits of these liability, the epidemiology of AIDS). reading for health-care professionals, models, are also articulated. The paper concludes that research educators and casino-industry that identifies and quantifies the managers. How such models may have relevance to developing programs for public health factors of gambling will Evans, R. I. (2003). Some prevention of problem gambling in substantially contribute to a public Theoretical Models and Constructs adolescents is also discussed. shift toward a more positive public Generic to Substance Abuse However, the inherent differences health frame. Prevention Programs for between gambling and more directly Adolescents: Possible Relevance health threatening behaviors such as and Limitations for Problem substance abuse must, of course, be Gambling. Journal of Gambling seriously considered in utilizing such Studies, 19(3), 207-382. models. News from the Centre ...

The Centre would like to Neuroscience, Mental Health and Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (2003). congratulate Lei Chen, our very Addictions. Child and adolescent risky talented Technical Specialist. Lei behaviors: Some new concerns. recently passed her Canadian Drs. Derevensky and Gupta Paper presented at the American Citizen test and is a proud new submitted a brief to the Senate of Academy of Pediatrics annual Canadian. Canada concerning youth gambling conference, New Orleans, and proposed several research and November. As part of our “outreach into the social policy initiatives. community program,” our Centre Derevensky, J., Gupta, R., & held a one-day Winters, K. (2003). Prevalence symposium on rates of youth gambling problems: November 5th of this Are the currents rates inflated? year. More than 50 Journal of Gambling Studies, people attended this 19(4), 405-425. information session. Those who attended Felsher, J., Derevensky, J., & came from a variety Gupta, R. (2003). Lottery of backgrounds involvement amongst youth at risk including the for gambling problems. Paper Ministry of Health presented at the Responsible and Social Services, Gambling Council (Ontario) annual regional health conference, Toronto, Ontario, boards, health centres September. such as the CLSC, treatment facilities, Felsher, J., Derevensky, J., & youth centres, school Gupta, R. (2003). Parental boards and influences and social modeling of community youth lottery participation. Journal organisations. The of Community and Applied Social day included Psychology, 13, 361-377. presentations on our research findings, treatment Watch for a forthcoming book We wish everyone a approach, prevention initiatives, which is currently being completed: wonderful Holiday Season! as well as on our public health Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (Eds.). model. The staff of the Centre Gambling problems in youth: would like to thank all that attended Theoretical and applied for taking an interest in the perspectives. New York: Kluwer important issue of youth gambling. Academic Publishers. We look forward to future collaboration in order to better our New Publications and community and protect our youth. Presentations Dr. Rina Gupta and Dr. Jeff Derevensky, J. (2003). Youth Derevensky were recently invited gambling: What we know, what attendees at a meeting of Canadian we don’t know. Invited address researchers and funding agencies presented at the California held in Toronto where a set of Responsible Gambling Week, national research priorities were sponsored by the established. This meeting was California Nations Indian Gaming cosponsored by the Ontario Association, Sacamento, Problem Gambling Research California, October. Centre and the Institute for Upcoming Events

Harvard Medical School, Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders Annual Conference : Regulating Addiction: How individuals, groups, and institutions manage excessive behaviors. MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada Dec.7-Dec. 9, 2003 www.hms.harvard.edu/doa/institute/annualcon ference.htm

YGI Newsletter

A Quartely Publication by the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors

Editor Carmen Messerlian, M.Sc.

Design Lei Chen

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

www.youthgambling.com