NORTHERN NEW YORK -- For some, playing a few hands of cards or betting at a casino is entertainment. But for others, gambling can turn into an addiction.
Nicole Rood is the Community Programs Coordinator at the Seaway Valley Prevention Council. "You know it can maybe start off as a little you know oh I bet you a nickel and then it can really increase and become a problem," said Rood.
Rood said it's a problem that many people don't realize is developing among youth.
According to a study 59.7 percent of sixth graders in St. Lawrence County have gambled. 36.5 percent of eighth graders say they've bet on cards.
Do you know the signs of a gambling problem? It's something parents should be aware of since many young people today are placing bets on sporting events, cards and playing the lotto. Our Amy Ohler sat down with prevention coordinators from both St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties who say youth gambling is becoming a big problem.
In Jefferson County 62.7 percent of 10th graders say they've tried gambling. 57.1 percent of 12th graders admitted to gambling.
Anita Seefried-Brown is the director of community prevention at the Jefferson County Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council. "Gambling in general is like any other substance use which can lead to an addiction and like any other substance use, alcohol use, gambling too when started very early there's a higher potential for addiction to set in," said Seefried-Brown.
Youth gambling isn't just a problem here in the North Country. According to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services 72 percent of students in grades seven through 12 grade have gambled at least once in 2006.
Experts say gambling problems are easy to hide. Warning signs include being preoccupied with gambling, stealing to support the habit and a decline in grades or work habits.
"You know, truth be told it can be fun, it can be entertaining and you know as long as people leave it at that, you know, everything will be okay. However, you know we don't know exactly at what point gambling, fun gambling, social gambling will move into problem gambling," said Seefried-Brown.
If you'd like more information on gambling you can call the New York State Gambling Help Line Assistance at 1 (800) 437-1611.