CBC will be airing a special documentary that illustrates how online gambling is affecting youths. It will focus specifically on three young boys ranging in ages from 14-20 and will discuss the problems they endured when their gambling got to be out of control.
Gambling among youths is a big concern for those who support the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in the US or generally those who are against legalized online gambling. The fear is that a gambling addiction will develop in someone too young to handle such a problem and may let a lot of time pass before seeking help.
The youngest boy featured in the documentary loves online poker and has forced his mother to strictly monitor the time he spends online. It will follow the difficulties of both the mother and son in the hopes of educating parents as well.
Another of the boys lost two years of high school to his gambling addiction as he spent most of his time gambling instead of attending classes. He has since re-enrolled in school and hopes he will be able to keep his gambling under control.
The third boy portrayed in the documentary left high school and headed straight to rehab. He got into a lot of trouble through gambling, mostly financial, before finally seeking help from a teacher.
The film is directed at young people because underage gamblers are not often considered as part of the problem. It will highlight the negative impact that growing up around gambling has had on these boys and will touch on the possibility of many more like them.
