About The Film

Who would think that teens playing a friendly game of poker, or joining an online game of Texas Hold’em, could find themselves facing serious gambling problems or, for some, addiction? But youth are vulnerable. With the barrage of marketing campaigns, television coverage of poker tournaments, and easy online access, it is no surprise that teens are increasingly affected.

Featuring three youths ranging in age from 14 to 21, Gambling Boys, a documentary produced by EyeSteelFilm in association with CBC, delves in to this new and changing world of teen gambling, a world that offers up excitement and the allure of making fast money, but may lead to damaging consequences.

The Cast

Dakota

Dakota was just 14 when he discovered poker. He doesn’t gamble for money, he gambles to win. “I love to win. I love to beat people down and win all those chips.” He plays Texas Hold’em on Facebook and he and his friends get together to play poker. His mom says he is really competitive, doesn’t like to lose. He would play all the time if he could, so she put a password on their computer. “He was getting up in the middle of the night to play.” Dakota says he knows his limits, but questions what will happen when he turn 18 and can go to bars.

Jamie

Jamie is 21. In high school, he chose to spend his days at the Casino, not in class. The price, he graduated two years late. He figures he gambled more than $20,000 since he was 17. When his parents and school caught on, he was officially excluded from the Casino. His response: “Gamble with friends in the school cafeteria.” Today Jamie is trying to straighten out his priorities, finishing up an accounting degree, looking for a job.

Has he stopped? No. But he keeps his bets under control and counts on his friends to keep an eye on him

Clifford

Clifford, age 18, knows he’s a gambling addict. He started innocently enough around the age of 12 with scratch cards from his grandmother. Today he is in rehab, fighting to stay away from his compulsive sports gambling.

The turning point was a super bowl game. He was in for $96,000. Driven by the fear of what his bookies might do and his own wish to die, he turned to his high school teacher for help. It hasn’t been easy. Clifford knows he has a life-time fight ahead of him to keep “clean.” Football season comes every year.

Did

Did, now in his early 40’s, is a gambler who paid a high price for his addiction. A few years ago, he worked at a club, and played the slots –a lot– during his down time. As the debts started to build, he “borrowed” money from the cash register, and “blew it all.” He knew he was in too deep, that his gambling was ruining his life and that of his family and friends. His solution was suicide and he jumped off a bridge into the St. Lawrence River.

“I didn’t die. I was pretty mad.” But he stopped gambling. As he says, “My treatment lasted 3.8 seconds,” the time it took to hit the water. Today, in a wheelchair, he takes his message about the price of gambling into schools and group homes, informing young people about the warning signs and encouraging them to look for help.

The Kids

Some extraordinary young people also appear in the film giving valuable insights and reflections on youth attitudes towards gambling. They included Alex, Eric and their friends.

The Mothers and Teacher

Two mothers and a teacher play a significant role in supporting their sons and in helping them handle their gambling problems.

Toxic Crayons

This young, up and coming Ottawa band plays a role in the film as both Jamie’s friends and as additional live music on the sound track.

Matt McCann: Guitar / Lead Vocals
Jamie Tremblay: Drums / Backing Vocals
Ryan McHenry: Guitar / Ladies man
Patrick Bourget: Bass / Backing Vocals