GRANITE FALLS -- Today's young people ages 16 to 24, often referred to as Gen Nex, are risk takers.
They are also very sure of themselves, love their recreation, and live for the moment.
These are also among the elements that make them vulnerable to becoming problem and compulsive gamblers, warns Carol Russell, CEO of Russell Herder, a research and marketing firm in Minneapolis. Russell was among those addressing problem and compulsive gambling during a regional conference hosted by Project Turnabout and its residential gambling treatment program Project Vanguard in Granite Falls on Friday.
Compulsive gambling is often referred to as our "hidden addiction" since it so easily escapes the public's attention, according to Roger Svendsen of the Northstar Alliance, which helped sponsor the conference.
Gen Nex'ers in Minnesota have come of age in a world with far more gambling opportunities than their parents ever knew. One study found that 14 percent of college students are considered as having or being at risk for problem gambling behaviors, said Russell.
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She also cited research showing that among college students in Minnesota, 6 percent have borrowed money to gamble and 4 percent have used their financial aid to do it.
Student athletes are at particular risk when it comes to problem gambling, said Russell. They are risk takers, and tend to be confident in themselves, elements that can make them vulnerable to problem gambling.
Those serving in the military are vulnerable for many of the same reasons. Russell said she is working with the Minnesota National Guard, which has become concerned about problem gambling in the ranks. Nationwide, the U.S. military estimates that 36,000 to 48,000 active duty servicemen and women have gambling problems.
Gen Nex'ers who gamble do so "for fun and excitement," said Russell. "It's just entertainment, that's how they see it."
That's a dangerous attitude to hold when it comes to gambling, she noted. So too is another attitude common among Gen Nex'ers: Three-of-four believe personal gambling problems can be solved by sheer will power, said Russell.
The median age at which compulsive gamblers receive treatment is 39 to 40, according to Svendsen.
Project Vanguard offers one of the few residential treatment programs available for compulsive gamblers. It serves 200 to 220 people annually, according to Sandi Brustuen, its coordinator.
It was once rare to see anyone between the ages of 16 to 24 in the program.
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These days, Brustuen said there is almost always at least one member of Gen Nex in the residential program.
The Northstar Alliance and the State of Minnesota offer a toll-free help line for those wanting information or help on problem gambling. 1-800-333-HOPE.
