Youth Gambling

Youth gambling is a significant risk factor for gambling addiction later in life. Fortunately, there are signs and tips to alert parents if their child is gambling.

SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH GAMBLING

Studies show that an adult is more likely to develop a gambling problem if they gambled as a child. Therefore, it’s important to be watchful for signs that your child is gambling. The following questions can help you determine whether your child may be at risk for gambling addiction.

Signs your child may have a problem with gambling:

Signs your child may have a problem with gambling:
Are you concerned about your child’s phone usage?
Does phone usage distract from family activities and sleep?
Do you know which apps or websites your child uses?
Has your child lost interest in activities they once enjoyed?
Does your child have unexplained money?
Has your child become secretive?
Does your child have extreme reactions to sporting events?
Does your child lie about money or about gambling activities?

If you answer yes to several of these questions, start a conversation about gambling with your child.

WHAT CAN I DO AS A PARENT/ TRUSTED ADULT?

Gambling is not a safe alternative to alcohol, drugs or nicotine. Gambling can become a serious addiction, and its effects can be every bit as devastating (both to the gambler and their family) as drugs or alcohol. What’s more, gambling is often a “gateway” to other high-risk behaviors.

Foremost, don’t engage your children in gambling activities. Don’t reward them with gambling-related items such as lottery tickets or poker chips.

Begin a conversation with your child when they’re not preoccupied and, if possible, when it can be naturally raised in a conversation.
Listen to what they say about gambling and encourage an ongoing discussion.
As with any activity you may have concerns with, let them know the potential harms and the differences between lower risk play and risky gambling.
State your own position simply and clearly.
Teach them about the odds and “the house always wins in the long run.”
If you think they may be gambling online, consider uploading an online blocking tool like Gamban or Betblocker.

With the right information and help, young people and parents can overcome gambling problems. Remember, children and adolescents tend to model their behavior based on behaviors of others, whether parents, friends or role models.
Source: Partners in Prevention, International Centre for Youth Gambling and Problems & High-Risk Behaviors. www.youthgambling.com

LEAD THE WAY TO SAFER PLAY

FREE Gambling and Gaming Education Toolkit

Educators are constantly seeking ways to equip their students with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the modern world — they want to provide guidance to their journey. One such challenge is the growing concern over gaming and gambling addiction.

Learn More

QUICK FACTS ON YOUTH PROBLEM GAMBLING

COMMON TYPES OF GAMBLING

Some of the most common types of gambling include:

online games (online poker, slots or other social casino games)
sports betting, daily fantasy sports (football, baseball, etc.)
lottery tickets or scratch games
fantasy sports or bracket contests
esports
loot boxes (found in video games)
pull tabs
casino-style cards game (Texas Hold’em, Blackjack/21, etc.)
other card games (Gin Rummy, Spades, Hearts, etc.)
dice games (Craps, etc.)
raffle tickets
bingo
games of personal skill (basketball, video games, pool, bowling, skeet ball, etc.)
mahjong, Native American stick games and other cultural games

RISK FACTORS FOR YOUTH PROBLEM GAMBLING

As with any health issue, it’s important to understand the risk factors for youth problem gambling. Here are some to be aware of in teens and young adults:

History of gambling in the family — children of parents who gamble are nearly twice as likely to be weekly or daily gamblers.
Family or personal history of substance abuse
Family or personal history of mental health issues
Having been abused or traumatized.
Exposure to gambling at young age.
Having a “big win”.
Having easy access to a preferred form of gambling.
Having few interests or hobbies besides gambling.
Holding mistaken beliefs about the odds of winning.
Using gambling to escape problems or as a coping mechanism.
Frequently experiencing boredom, depression, anxiety or feeling directionless in life.
Wanting to win money (however, for adolescents with gambling problems, money is the vehicle, not the main reason, for gambling).

READ Signs Your Child May Have a Problem with Gambling

INCREASED RISKS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

The 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the ban on sports betting left it in the hands of each state to decide to legalize sports betting at the professional and collegiate level. This presents new risks for student athletes and perhaps to the integrity of the games they play. Athletes are competitive by nature and it is not uncommon for athletes to bet.

Consequences associated with student athlete gambling

athletic and academic failure
loss of scholarship/play
criminal activities
relationship problems
alcohol and substance abuse
debt
mental health issues, which could lead to self-injury or suicide

If you think your student athlete is having issues with gambling:

Start the conversation and find somewhere quiet and free from distractions to talk.
Avoid accusing or judging; focus instead on how you feel about their gambling and the concern you have for them and their future.
Use specific examples of their changed behavior
Be specific about the risks the student athlete is taking by gambling, which is against school athletic codes of conduct.
Ask your student how you can be there for them (“What can I do to help you?”)
You can offer to call a counseling service with them or accompany them to their first appointment. Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-333-HOPE (4673)
If your student athlete doesn’t want help, try not to push the issue. Let them know you are there for them if they want to talk about it in the future.

BLURRING LINES OF GAMING AND GAMBLING

Technological advances in video and online gaming and the ability to play on a global level have allowed gaming participation to grow at a rapid pace in the past ten years.

Most teenagers, both girls and boys, play video games. It is a significant part of world culture and entertainment.

Parents need to be aware that game designers have begun embedding gambling elements into games and continue to market to underage customers and adults with no regulations. Like gambling, gaming is a form of entertainment for most. But for some, gaming can become addictive and can negatively impact their lives.

If you think your child may be developing an issue with gaming, check out our gaming disorder page or visit GameQuitters.

“If interested in connecting with a MN support group for gaming disorder, click here for more information.