Gambling has become a highly visible part of our day-to-day lives. Today's children are the first generation to grow up with gambling all around them. As parents, you have an important role in what you teach your children—directly and indirectly—about gambling.
What are we dealing with?
Here's what research done in Alberta tells us:
- 33% of teens don't gamble.
- 67% of teens do.
- 44% are non-problem gamblers.
- 15% are at risk for problems.
- 8% are problem gamblers.
What can parents do to prevent gambling problems?
Many factors will shape your children's future decisions on gambling. In the same way that you have provided guidance on important issues in the past, you can influence your children about gambling. How you do this will vary with the age of your children, and will be unique to the values and experiences of your family.
What do we know about teens who gamble?
Teens say they gamble for these reasons:
- They gamble for entertainment or fun, for excitement or as a challenge, and to win money.
- They do not see their wagering as gambling; instead, they see it as a natural part of their leisure activity.
- For those teens who are problem gamblers, gambling has been a common and visible activity in their home.
- Teen problem gamblers had early gambling experience, often with a parent or someone else they admired.
- Teens with gambling problems were also likely to be heavier users of tobacco and alcohol, and to have used illicit drugs such as marijuana.
- Much of their gambling involves informal bets with family or friends: playing cards or board games for money; betting on the outcome of sports events; or playing games of skill such as pool, golf or darts for money.
What are some signs of adolescent gambling problems?
- using money for gambling that was intended for something else
- betting money they don't even have
- going into debt because of gambling
- lying to family or friends about their gambling
- selling, giving away or losing their possessions (clothing, CDs or CD players)
- stealing money or possessions from other family members or friends
- missing school to gamble
- excessively monitoring sports results
- becoming overly excited or depressed at the outcome of sports events
- creating gambling opportunities, such as turning games into chances to bet
- being preoccupied with gambling-related activities
- losing interest in other activities they once enjoyed
Some ideas to consider
Discuss your family's values about money, about competition and about the place of wagering in recreational activity. Be alert to what values your children are developing.
Be clear about your values and attitudes concerning gambling, and communicate these to your children in ways they can understand.
If you gamble, think about what spoken and unspoken messages you may be giving to your children about gambling.
Explain to them what a gambling problem is, using examples they can understand.
Gambling is a problem if it causes financial, personal or other problems for the gambler or those close to them. The problems can be occasional (for example, being late with the rent or a bill payment some month) or ongoing (for example, spending money meant for day-to-day living expenses on gambling).
Encourage your children to develop a variety of skills and interests in their leisure, and spend time participating with them.
Focus on their strengths to help them develop a strong sense of self-worth.
Develop a trusting relationship with your children, balancing their need for independence with your need to monitor their attitudes and behaviour related to gambling.
A little prevention now can go a long way later.
Many teens see their wagering as "no big deal," and for many that is probably true. The concern, however, is that teens who make gambling a regular part of their recreation now may carry that behaviour with them into adulthood—when they will have greater income, access to credit and entry to gambling venues.
If you or your family have concerns you would like to discuss, confidential help is available. For more information, contact your local AADAC office or call the AADAC Help Line at 1-866-332-2322 (Alberta only).
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