Resources for Families

Knowing what to look for

If you’re wondering if someone you know and love might have a problem, here are some signs that may indicate they have a problem. The more signs a person shows, the greater the likelihood that they may have lost control of their gambling.

• Gambling for longer and longer periods of time

• Lying about how much or how often they gamble

• Missing work or school to gamble

• Neglecting personal or family responsibilities to gamble

• Using gambling as an escape

• Gambling with money needed for paying bills

• Spending more money to recoup losses

Support for a loved one

The best way to provide support for a partner who may have a gambling problem is to have an open conversation about it. Here are a few things to help you get started.

• Prepare examples of how the person’s gambling has had a negative impact on you and others.

• Remember that the behaviour is the problem, not the person. Try not to use judgmental language, as this may only make the person defensive. Many problem gamblers feel vulnerable already.

• Find the right resources if the person is open to getting help.

• Let them know you will support them in their efforts to regain control.

Kids and gambling

Did you know kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less prepared to handle and understand the risks of gambling. That’s why it’s important to start the conversation early and here’s how to prepare yourself:

• Go through the website and learn as much as you can about the games they are playing and understand the key concepts and common myths.

• Talk to them about the difference between skill-based games like video games and sports where practice can pay off, versus gambling like slots and the lottery, where the outcome is random and chance-based.

• One of the best things you can do is practice healthy and responsible gambling habits yourself.

• Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.

• Kids are exposed to gambling images almost every day — from the corner store that sells lottery tickets to TV ads for poker and the local casino.

• The types of gambling activities with the most participation by kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets, poker, and betting on the outcome of a game.

• Kids who say their parents have gambled in the past year are significantly more likely to participate in gambling activities themselves.

Youth Gambling

Facts for Youth

Managing online content

While most online gambling services attempt to prevent children from accessing their services, young people say it’s quite easy to gamble online. If you’re a parent, you can incorporate content-filtering software to help prevent your kids from accessing online gambling sites.

How to find content filtering software

There are many content-filtering and parental control products available on the internet. An internet search will reveal a variety of providers, options, and information on these tools. Try searching using keywords such as:

• "Content Filtering Software"

• "Parental Control"

• "Internet Blocking Software"

Content filtering software

Content-filtering software is designed to help control what internet content and resources users have access to. It can be applied to any computer to prevent access to websites with objectionable content, including gambling and gaming. It can allow password protected access to certain individuals so that content is blocked for those who need it and accessed by those who don't. Some programs even allow users to limit the amount of time spent accessing the internet.