March is Gambling Awareness Month

Problem gambling is an issue that is becoming more common among youth ranging from ages 12-17(NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, 2022). According to Algamus Recovery Services (2024), 60-80 % of high school students report having gambled for money within the past year. It is important to emphasize that out of this percentage, 4-6% are considered to fall in the category of becoming a problem gambler. Gambling can be dangerous, especially when it is socially accepted, promoted, and easily accessible. Likewise, it does not help when gambling can be seen as a glorious activity where a person can make a lot of money. Gambling can lead to negative consequences such as relationship problems, academic problems, and financial problems (Algamus Recovery Services, 2024). These negative consequences are just a few examples of why teens should try to not engage in risky behavior such as gambling.

The NSW Office of Responsible Gambling (2022) discovered that youth who do online gaming services such as Roblox and Minecraft are more likely to engage in simulated gambling apps, demo games, simulated gambling on social networking sites or betting with in-game items were more likely to gamble on all monetary forms. The study from the Youth Gambling Study 2020 found that 40% of youth play video games that have gambling within the game (NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, 2022). Some examples of what simulated gaming in video games are: social casino games (in-game currency like jewels or coins), virtual goods (like characters or weapons upgrades) and loot boxes (reward you can win or buy within the game). The Youth Gambling Study of 2020 also found that the youth who bought things such as loot boxes, virtual goods, or social casino games were more likely to gamble money in the future (NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, 2022). This is why it’s crucial that parents know the signs to look out for because youth are more susceptible to develop a gambling problem in comparison to other age groups. Parents can find more information through this website: https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/learn-about-gambling/gambling-and-young-people/video-games-and-gambling

Youth are 2-4% more susceptible to developing a gambling problem than adults, so they’re more likely to develop a gambling problem (Algamus Recovery Services, 2024). The parts of the brain associated with developing good decisions, more impulsive, and less inhibition which makes youth more likely to making riskier bets (Algamus Recovery Services, 2024). There has also been an association between mental health and gambling which can lead to self-esteem issues, stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, gambling can impact on the teenage brains such as causing problems with focus, impulse control, decision-making, impacting the brain’s reward system which releases dopamine (the neurotransmitter associated with a “feel good” feeling). There are some risk factors associated with problem gambling that exposes youth to be more susceptible such as exposure to gambling activities, having family members with a history of gambling problems, experiencing issues like depression and anxiety, peer pressure, and societal influences (Algamus Recovery Services, 2024).

If you are concerned about if someone you know may have a problem with gambling, please visit this website for more information: https://evolvetreatment.com/parent-guides/teen-gambling-disorder/.

Some signs to look out for if you’re concerned or suspect that your teen may have a gambling addiction are as follows:

• Preoccupation with gambling
• Developing a need to gamble with increased amounts each time
• Restlessness/Irritability when trying to stop
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop
• Gambling to escape problems
• Chasing Losses
• Lying to conceal gambling activities
• Jeopardizing/Losing Relationships Opportunities
• Relying on others for financial bailouts
• Stealing/Committing Fraud
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Changes in behavior or personality
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Financial issues

It is important for parents and caregivers to know that there is help and guidance available. Below is a guide for parents who need advice on how to approach talking to their children about problem gambling.

• Choose the right time and setting
• Educate yourself first- Become informed about gambling, risks, and behaviors associated with problem gambling
• Open-ended questions- Start by asking what they know about gambling, find out if they know risks/behaviors, and allow them to have a safe space to talk
• Express Concerns: State your concerns in a calm and clear and talk about responsible decision-making.
• Provide Information: Explain what responsible gambling includes such as setting time limits, and the importance of not chasing losses. It is important to discuss the legal age and why these regulations exist
• Talk Risks: Risks associated including potential for addiction, financial loss, and potential aspects related to mental health issues
• Importance of balance: Emphasize the importance of balance and participating in a variety of activities
• Encourage Critical Thinking: Encourage your teen to be aware of gambling advertisements and how this might influence their behavior and decision-making
• Be a Role Model: Show responsible actions towards preventing problem gambling and model the behavior in areas of your life
• Encourage Open Communication
• Provide Support Resources
• Be Patient and Non-Judgmental
• Learning Experience- Try to make it a good learning experience and encourage responsible decision-making

References

Algamus Recovery Services. (2024). Risks of Teen Gambling. https://www.algamus.org/blog/risks-teen-gambling

Evolve Adolescent Behavior Health Services. (2023, November 1). A parent’s Guide to Teen Gambling Disorder: Evolve treatment. Evolve. https://evolvetreatment.com/parent-guides/teen-gambling-disorder/

NSW Office of Responsible Gambling. (2022). What’s the connection between video games and gambling. Org. https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/supporting-someone/supporting-young-people/video-games-and-gambling