youth problem gambling: lowering the risk

Youth are less likely to become problem gamblers if they have "protective factors" in their lives that help buffer the risks.
Some of these protective factors include:

• Support (family, community, school)
• Positive outlook
• Realistic boundaries & expectations
• Internal locus of control
• High self-esteem
• Constructive use of time/contributing 
• Good problem solving skills
• See the Search Institute's list of '40 Developmental Assets' for adolescents