The availability gambling is increasing and does not “save” underage victims: this is what Codici, the Centre for the rights of citizens, revealed, underlining that today people play despite the crisis, which instead pushes people to play in 45% of cases.

Compared to ten years ago, gambling is widespread among different ages, and it is becoming more accessible fro everyone. Unfortunately – highlighted Codici – the weakest sectors of the population that gamble, i.e. retired people, temporary workers, students, housewives and over 50s, are people who have been affected more by the crisis. Codici reveals how gambling are very common among young people.

“According to our data, thanks to a survey on a sample of 300 students of secondary and high schools in Rome, teenagers start playing already at 13. They mainly play with “Scratchcards” and “Video Poker”, considered innocent games by the young. In reality they said they spend around 25-30 Euros a week, numbers which should be taken seriously for their age. Teenagers also ask their class mates for money to buy a scratchcards. In the future teenagers could have problems related to gambling.

Translated by Chiara Nunnari from John Milton Institute