eno. Joker Poker. Deuces Wild. To the majority of students, these words may mean little. However, while gambling may be an adult pastime, for a growing number of students, it is not only a possible - but a popular - recreational activity.
According to the "School Safety Update" published by the National School Safety Center News Service, experts predict that one-eighth of problem gamblers in the United States are between the ages of 18 and 21.
Although most FHS students are not legally eligible to gamble,18-year-old students have the power to gamble, and they do.
"I really like to gamble," said senior Melissa Cole. "It's fun. I always win."
"I've gambled two or three times," added senior Dan Schletz. "I lost, but it's fun. Those Keno machines make it sound like you're winning even when you're not. It's all mind games."
Some casinos have noticed an increase of 18-and 19-year-olds gambling in their casinos.
"I'd say we get 20 to 25 teenagers a night," said Carol Ann at The Gold Nugget Casino of Kalispell.
According to employees of some of the local casinos, such as Cattleman's Casino, young gamblers are not allowed in the casinos.
The policy of Cattleman's Casino of Kalispell is, "We don't allow anyone under the age of 21 in, house rules," said one employee
Yet many students say they have little problem getting into casinos.
"Yeah, they all let me in," said 17-year-old junior Amber Redfield. "Of course they do."
What sets gambling apart from other teenage pastimes is that people are not legally allowed to gamble until their 18th birthday. For many, this occurs late into their senior year, or even after they graduate.
"I wish I could gamble," said senior Mike Tuszynski. "The actual gambling is fun, but it's more than that. Even being allowed in with friends would be nice."
Of those students who are allowed to gamble, many don't gamble often, not because of moral concerns, but simply because of the money needed.
"I don't gamble, because I don't have enough money," said senior Josh Leigh. "I would if I had the money."
"I have better things to spend my money on," said senior Zac Shepherd.
There are some who see gambling as more than an innocent pastime, or as a simple waste of money.
"It's very indicative of our society," explained Ellen Engsteadt, the director of Don't Gamble With the Future.
"They grow up with video machines and Nintendo, and the natural progression is to gambling machines. It's very unfortunate, because gambling is very addictive."