The Popularity of Poker With Teenagers
When Can Friendly Card Games Become A Worry
Poker Nowadays
"Give me your $10 buy-in to join the next round of poker," a teenage dealer said. Yes, the stakes aren't that expensive to get into the card game. The bets are just for entertainment which is enough to buy a hotdog sandwich. Therefore, the risks are not high.
Besides, poker trains the mind with math skills. It also instructs critical thinking for the young minds. Luck is a key factor but strategy is also a factor to win the card game. It is through skill that you become the champion. Teen gamblers may bluff and pretend to have the highest straight-flash.
The latest James Bond movie showed playing poker in a glamorous way; only the rich billionaires are playing the card game for high stakes. The media promotes a trend, especially television, shows tournaments for actors, actresses, and gamblers.
Poker at Home
Don't be surprised to see parents playing poker with their teenagers. Some parents were even the ones who taught their children how to play it. In defense, parents say that poker is a safe game, it's different from smoking pot. Poker is not harmful to teenagers unless they start gambling compulsively.
Some parents feel that its safer to allow their teenagers to stay in a friend's house to play poker than to get drunk or hooked on drugs. They limit gambling at after-prom parties and other school activities.
Poker in School
Two schools in Chicago and Minneapolis banned poker-playing . More schools are being encourage to stop gambling in their campuses. They became like churches wherein gambling is not allowed.
Instead of allowing the teens to play poker, they should instruct students on the danger of compulsive gambling. Teachers should let their students know that gambling can be addictive, just like alcohol and drugs. Also, they can start teaching them how to gamble responsibly.
Responsible Gambling For Teenagers
According to a recent survey, 8% of teens have a gambling problem. Poker becomes a problem when teens can't control their betting. Online gambling is one of the causes of compulsive gambling because it is not regulated. Kids are allowed to register online without the consent of their parents and in violation of the legal gambling age. Teenagers shouldn't let poker-playing go too far by neglecting their studies.
Government officials have an obligation to the youth. They should watch out for the teens below 18 years old who gambles. The teenagers should be monitored.