Online Gambling addiction, a problem with teens

“Harmless” games may embed the tendency to serious disorders over time

Online gaming addiction is a growing problem in Greece according to data by the Hellenic Association for the Study of Internet Addiction Disorder. The results found that 37% of participants aged from 12-19 years have had some online gambling experience with 11% showing signs of an addiction. The result was similar to the conclusions of a 2012 study over seven European countries that found that Greek teenagers topped the list of young Europeans pursuing online gambling.

Oftentime online games lead to online gambling. A game where a cartoon character may urge players to collect something could lead to greater desires and pave the way to later addictions. Teens oftentime feel an addiction to move up games and be given additional weapons, powers etc.

The gambling addiction hotline 1114 was created for families in need. It is manned from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.