Facebook Creating Problem Gamblers?

Hi all,

I recently came across an article regarding Facebook games and the effects on kids. There are some that believe that playing free poker, free bingo, slots and whatever else gets children hooked on gambling.

What do you think? Do you or would you allow your kids on Facebook? A co-worker I had wouldn't let her 16 year old daughter have an account unless she and her husband had total control of it. I suppose playing free casino games at a young age could create some issues when kids get older. Then again when I was a kid all I had was Nintendo and Sega and I don't run around with a sword or hitting my head on boxes hoping coins come flying out  I just don't know, there are so many ways to look at this.

I think that casino games are one of the least dangerous things on Facebook. How about this game? - http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57460546-93/new-zynga-game-the-ville-allows-virtual-sex/

There aren't any age restrictions to enter that game as far as I know, you just have to have a Facebook account and anybody over the age of 13 can have one.

If the casino games are true to life, it could well deter gambling in young people. The reality is you lose a lot and win very little, so most kids will probably get disenchanted with the whole deal after losing for a while.

As for the Ville game... it might be an ok game in a different venue (for adults), but on facebook with a 13 year old age restriction, it is pretty outrageous. I would definitely not want my grandchildren playing it.

katt

I can see that it "could" create gambling problems later in life but it is difficult to say that it definitely would without some sort of research over a few years.

As for the Ville game - I didn't know about this game (thanks Johnny).  It should be banned or at least have a decent age restriction on it.  It surely doesn't help towards the teenage pregnancy problem.

blue

Thanks for the heads up Johnny! I didn't know about that game either!

As  far as gambling and facebook.I can see where it might cause a problem for some young people.
I think alot of kids are already addicted to video games.I've seen quite a few play for hours and not want to do much else.

The game you mentioned Johnny looks pretty much like The Simms video game series, and its T rated if Im not mistaken which means anyone who is 13+ can play it.

So as you said, If no one sees any harm in games like that, I see even less in Facebook casino games.

I also think there are many worse things on Facebook than any of the games we mentioned here.

That Ville game is a bit to much for a young kid. I wonder about gambling though. I wonder if kids are playing these casino games young, will they still have interest in going overboard while playing for real? I wonder. I had a drink or several when I was a teenager and I didn't go crazy when I turned 21. The mystery was already unveiled.

Exactly froggy i couldn't agree more lmaoooo! It is a double edge sword with this topic because on one hand we don't want ridiculous censorship and sometimes i think these psychologists put too much emphasis on what impact it will have on children. Will playing these games as a child turn them into compulsive gamblers as adults? I think not, i believe it is more a product of your environment growing up. If your parents are gamblers and you grew up around it than you might have more of chance of becoming a gambler. Then again not all do........

Lips

... or maybe it does help! If the teens become addicted to virtual romance, they might postpone the real deal until later Or maybe not.

This is completely individual, it depends on so many factors. In general, I think that parents should control what their kids do online, and check their online activities.

I agree Mark. There are some scary stories out there. Adults luring in kids to meet. I'd be watching my kids like a hawk but not necessarily to do with playing games online. Play poker in your free time. Maybe he/she will make it to WSOP someday and win momma some money.