VANCOUVER – A new study suggests problem gambling has decreased in British Columbia but that younger people are at higher risk of becoming addicted to gaming.
The study commissioned by the government says an estimated 34,000 fewer people experienced issues with gambling in 2014 compared to seven years earlier, but that is not the case for youth.
Finance Minister Mike de Jong says additional research into addiction from the University of Victoria has prompted the government to focus on prevention programs for younger people.
He told a responsible gambling conference that the province has come up with a plan to address the health risks of gambling among 18- to 24-year-old youth.
The government says in a news release that it will invest in research to understand problem gambling among online players and develop other initiatives.
The plan involves the health and education ministries, as well as the B.C. Lottery Corporation.
Comments