Pokies snare more teens

Bay of Plenty teens as young as 16 are becoming addicted to poker machines - and one 18-year-old has lost as much as $60,000 while gambling.

Health authorities say most people are unaware of how many youngsters have gambling problems and a workshop will be held this week to help people take action.

Psychologist Margaret Sloan, who runs Tauranga's Problem Gambling Foundation office, said teenagers who saw it as normal to play internet, computer and cellphone games were at risk. And many youngsters lacked budgeting skills or an appreciation of the value of money.

"We live in a credit society where it's 'buy now, pay later'. It's instant gratification and you don't have to save for anything," she said.

Some were even gambling their student loans, she said.

The number of New Zealand teens who are problem gamblers has risen dramatically. In 2002, 62 people sought help but within a year, that figure had jumped to 112 people.

Toi Te Ora public health will host a workshop in Mt Maunganui tomorrow to raise awareness of the issue. The session, entitled "When is it not a game?", will teach youth workers how to help those at risk.

- NZPA