Educational Media Reviews Online

Gambling Boys is an eye opening look at the world of adolescent males and their gambling addictions. The social issues associated with addiction, in this case gambling, are addressed. The real life testimonies offered by the young men featured throughout the film are both convincing and compelling. The disturbing theme shared in this video is that teenagers are too young to understand the nature of addiction and the social consequences associated with long term dependency. It’s been suggested that the rush an addicted gambler gets from gambling is similar to a cocaine addiction; making this a serious social issue. One young man says that winning at gambling becomes a high that makes you feel good about yourself. Did-Tafari, one of the film’s presenters, shares his experiences with young recovering gamblers in an attempt to scare them straight. Viewers will be moved by his story as he details how he hit rock bottom because of his gambling addiction. Youth counselors who work with at-risk males and school librarians will find that this film is an essential resource.