Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline

Oregon youth gambling survey

In 2005 and 2006, eight regions across Oregon surveyed 2,479 youth regarding gambling. Though the survey is not scientific, it provides a valuable touch point for gambling behaviors among Oregon youth (see also: Oregon Healthy Teens survey later in this section). The instrument was developed by the Oregon Problem Gambling Prevention Committee in 2005, and a Lane County Health & Human Services survey analyst was consulted during its development. Once developed, regional problem gambling services prevention coordinators were invited to use either the hard copy or online versions of the survey. Surveys were disseminated in classroom settings in the following regions: Grant, Harney, Jackson, Lane, Malheur, Marion, Polk, and Washington counties. The surveys were completed during a classroom-based youth gambling prevention activity, and respondents were assured of confidentiality. There were no formal instructions for completing the survey. Once completed, the surveys were sent to Oregon Problem Gambling Services for compiling.

Key findings:

Cards and sports bets are favorites
Survey results indicate the most preferred types of gambling were card games (42 percent), games of personal skill (40 percent), and sports bets (34 percent).

Teens bet in homes and at school
By far the most popular place to gamble was at home. About two in three (64 percent) said they gambled at home, followed by a friend or family member's house (48 percent), and at school (24 percent).

For more information about the survey, contact:

Julie Hynes, Oregon Problem Gambling Prevention Consultant, (julie.hynes@co.lane.or.us / 541.682.3928).