The preliminary results of a research project by the University of Lleida (UdL) indicate that, out of a sample of 2,349 surveyed students, 3% already show early signs of problematic gambling. The research, presented at the Faculty of Education, Psychology and Social Work (FEPTS), notes that gambling has become increasingly integrated among youth, especially in socially and territorially disadvantaged environments.
“"These indicators warn of the existence of an accumulative risk that is already manifesting in adolescence."
The project, led by Professor José Tomás Mateos Garcia, analyzed participation and risk patterns in 11 high schools across Catalonia, including centers in Ponent, Barcelona, Girona, and Salou (Tarragona). Initial symptoms detected in this high-risk subgroup include difficulties controlling behavior, using gambling as an emotional regulator, and the tendency to bet to recover losses.
One of the most concerning findings is the age of onset for gambling, which stands at 14 years, four years below the legal age limit. Furthermore, the issue affects males significantly more: 56.8% of surveyed boys report having gambled with money at some point, compared to 25.5% of participating girls.
