Naples – It's not just a pastime, but a transgression that risks becoming an addiction. In Naples, 34% of minors reported having bet or gambled for cash at least once in the last twelve months. This is the most striking finding emerging from the study "Evaluation of the Phenomenon of Underage Gambling," conducted by the Department of Social Sciences at Federico II University, which will be presented tomorrow, April 16, at the Cloister of Saints Marcellinus and Festus.
The numbers of risk: between gambling and transgression
The study, scientifically directed by Professor Luigi Caramiello and supported by the Noto Sondaggi Institute, analyzed the behaviors not only of young people under 18, but also of those aged 18-24. The picture emerges in which gambling is seen as a way of overcoming regulatory limits. Despite legal prohibitions, gambling insinuates itself into the daily lives of young people, often fueled by a distorted perception of risk and a quest for personal affirmation.
The weight of the social and economic context
According to the research team—which includes experts such as Bifulco, Calia, De Feo, Flauto, and Pecchinenda—the phenomenon is not isolated, but closely linked to educational and income inequalities. The analysis cross-references the legislative framework (such as Regional Law 2/2020) with the reality of neighborhoods: social vulnerability and fragile educational models act as accelerators of risky behavior. In this scenario, the role of family and peer groups proves crucial in encouraging or hindering gambling.
A “Multilevel Network” to protect minors
The research goes beyond reporting, but also advances a concrete operational proposal: the creation of a "Multilevel Protection Network." The goal is to move beyond fragmented interventions to build a structured coordination network involving schools, families, institutions, and even the network of legal gambling outlets.
The proposed model is based on coordinated educational and training initiatives, aimed at promoting a true culture of legality. Only through synergistic and multidimensional action can we hope to combat a phenomenon that affects the most vulnerable segments of the population, transforming gambling from a "normal" transgression to an awareness of real dangers.
In short
Naples – It's not just a pastime, but a transgression that risks becoming an addiction.
- In Naples, 34% of minors said they had bet or gambled with cash winnings at least once…
- This is the most striking finding emerging from the research "Evaluation of the phenomenon of underage gambling," conducted by the Department of…
- Risk Numbers: Between Gambling and Transgression The study, scientifically directed by Professor Luigi Caramiello and supported by the Noto Institute…
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
Naples – It's not just a pastime, but a transgression that risks becoming an addiction.
Why is this news relevant?
In Naples, 34% of minors said they had bet or gambled with cash winnings at least once…
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
This is the most striking finding emerging from the research "Evaluation of the phenomenon of underage gambling," conducted by the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Federico II…
The study seems interesting but doesn't explain how to intervene properly. There are many hypotheses but few practical solutions. The multilevel network sounds good, but in the reality of the neighborhood, coordination and responsibility are often lacking; parents don't know what to do, and the kids continue to play as if nothing was happening.
The research seems important, but it leaves many unanswered questions. The 34% rate of minors is alarming, but the numbers don't fully explain the context. Family and peer groups are crucial, but they're often overlooked. A multilevel network can help, but money and real policies are needed. The data shows that young people are vulnerable, but it doesn't necessarily mean that everything is just the fault of adults.