Reginald Blair 
Gambling has become an increasing threat among adolescents and young adults due to early onset and risk-taking behavior as well as significant peer influence.
Peer pressure can have an enormous influence on gambling behaviors by normalizing the activity and encouraging story telling about large wins. Such social pressures may particularly sway individuals with cultural or religious convictions that associate gambling with moral disapproval.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
Gambling has many negative repercussions, such as stress, financial hardships, poor school performance and damaged relationships. When individuals surround themselves with peers who gamble, this issue becomes compounded. Peers who also engage in this behavior may cause individuals to partake despite its harmful outcomes in order to fit in or avoid exclusion and engage in gambling behaviors despite its detrimental consequences.
Research conducted thus far has demonstrated the influence of peer pressure on gambling behavior among youths. Unfortunately, however, due to their cross-sectional design these studies did not allow researchers to establish causality or not; future longitudinal studies should investigate this question further.
Another finding from the study is that social identity can mitigate peer pressure and problem gambling. Results indicate that those identifying with online communities are more likely to associate with other gamblers, possibly as it provides a “safe space” where individuals can engage in this behavior. Furthermore, those who had witnessed their family members gambling were more likely to view gambling as normal behavior.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Gambling can have serious adverse consequences on mental and physical health as well as family relationships, particularly among adolescents who begin gambling. Teenagers who begin betting on sporting events or casino-style games online may become addicted. Gambling provides entertainment that may attract these bored youth, potentially harming both themselves and family relationships in the process.
However, gambling can quickly become addictive; therefore, if you are worried about someone’s gambling behavior it is wise to seek assistance immediately.
If a friend or family member seems to be losing control over both money and emotions, try not to criticize or belittle them; rather be direct and express concern that their situation needs attention and offer assistance in getting back on track. Perhaps this might even convince them to seek professional help for their problem gambling.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Support
Desiring acceptance or approval may drive some individuals into engaging in risky behavior with negative repercussions. Gambling provides temporary relief from this pressure but often ends up creating emotional strain, financial difficulty and harming relationships.
Research has found that individuals receiving social support are less likely to engage in problem gambling behaviors. Furthermore, identifying with one primary peer group moderates this relationship; suggesting that altering norms within gambling communities could help curb harmful gambling behavior and help individuals engage less harmfully with gambling activities.
If someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, offer your support by seeking professional counseling sessions for them to learn to modify unhealthy or irrational beliefs that contribute to their behavior. Furthermore, encourage them to participate in cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches people how to manage cravings and triggers effectively.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Gambling can be seen as a source of entertainment or fun, drawing people in for its excitement and thrills. But gambling addiction can lead to financial issues, mental health problems and damaged relationships – with potentially disastrous results.
Social pressures are powerful influencers when it comes to gambling behavior. A desire to fit in, avoid exclusion, or seek approval from peers may encourage individuals to partake in gambling despite any detrimental impacts it may have on their lives or wellbeing.
Studies have also demonstrated that gambling tends to be a social activity, with relationships within these networks shaping gambling behavior through normalization or, for those at greater risk egos, normalizing harm related to gambling. Additional research should examine whether quality and nature of social support differ between online and offline peer groups – and whether these differences have different ramifications for problem gambling behavior.
