Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline

For parents: Signs of a possible gambling problem in kids

Asking for/ borrowing money from the family
Gambling "stuff" at home (lottery tickets, betting sheets)
Unexplained debts, or windfall cash/new items (like new clothes or jewelry)
Spending unexplained time away from home, work, or school
Behavior change (seems distracted, moody, sad, worried, nervous, etc.)
Withdrawal from the family
Less involvement in outside activities
Unusual amount of time spent watching sports on TV and/or reading newspapers or magazines having to do with sports
Overly upset at conclusion of sporting match
Telephone calls from strangers and higher phone bills
Bragging about winnings
Intense interest in gambling conversations
Playing gambling type games on the Internet
Money or valuables are missing from your home

Parents: Talk to your teens about the risks of gambling

Worried about your kids using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs? Most parents are, so they talk to their kids about those risk behaviors because that’s one of the things that research tells us works for prevention. However, you may not have discussed another risky behavior that more and more kids are engaging in – gambling. Unlike the eyeball rolling that a discussion of alcohol, drugs or tobacco will likely evoke, kids have not “heard it all” when it comes to gambling—in fact, they have probably heard nothing in school or elsewhere about the potential risks.

Kids are exposed to gambling every day. All they have to do is turn on the TV to see poker tournaments, or walk into a mini-mart or grocery store to see people buying lottery tickets. Even churches and schools often use gambling for fund-raising, so the gambling message is everywhere. As responsible parents you can give your kids the full story about gambling, and this brochure can help guide you in that process.

What are the signs of a possible gambling problem?

Some of these signs will sound very familiar—they are also “signs” of adolescence or being in the teenage years. But if they occur in an ongoing pattern, or if you have reason to be concerned about your teen’s gambling, here are some indicators to look for:

Asking for/borrowing money from the family
Unexplained absences from school
Sudden drop in grades
Unexplained debt
Carries or possesses gambling materials, such as dice, playing cards, or other gambling materials
Says gambling is one of the best ways to make easy money
Borrows money from family/friends to pay gambling debts
Takes desperate measures to get more money for gambling, such as stealing from family
Gambles with money that is suppose to be used for something else such as lunch, bus fare, etc.
Neglects family/friends
Frequent mood swings” usually high when winning and lower when losing
Lies to people about gambling
Displays large amounts of cash and other material possessions
Gambles to escape worries, frustrations, or disappointments

Reasons teens gamble

Teens indicate that there are many reasons why they gamble, including:,

To escape problems
To overcome loneliness, boredom, etc.
To get easy money
To impress others
To be the center of attention
To make friends

Why talk about gambling?

Teens who understand gambling and its risk are less likely to develop a gambling problem. Parents can protect their kids by helping them gain this understanding. Besides, you already communicating some sort of message about gambling through your own behavior. Talk directly with your teen about gambling to make sure that you are communication exactly what you want them to know.

How do I bring it up?

Here are some tips for starting the conversation with your teen:

Look for a natural way to raise the topic. For example, discuss gambling after seeing a commercial for a gambling product or casino, or after you find out that a friend has won or lost money gambling.
Ask questions first. Find out what your child thinks and feels about gambling before offering your own opinions or giving information.
Be patient. Several discussions may be needed before your teen understands the ideas that you want to communicate.
When you talk with your teens about drugs or alcohol, include problem gambling in the conversation as another potentially risky activity.

Two more points to make when you talk to your teen

Gambling is not a way to make money. Games run by casinos, racetracks, internet sites, and lotteries are all designed so that most people lose money in the long run. Games are designed to make a profit for the house, not the player. Many problem gamblers do not understand this. They believe that they are blessed with special skills or special luck that will allow them to “beat the odds”. They often “chase losses,” betting more money in the belief that they will “win back” the money they have lost. Teens need to understand that these beliefs are illogical and dangerous.
Gambling carries risk and problem gambling can lead to serious consequences throughout life, including the loss of huge amounts of money, destruction of a career, legal problems, and the loss of friends and family.

More prevention tips for parents

Set the example you’d like your teens to follow—if you gamble, do so for fun and in moderation
Spend quality time with your teen
Talk to your teen about the risks of gambling
Set consistent boundaries and consequences
Know their friends
Encourage involvement in the arts, sports or other constructive activities
Avoid hosting or participating in gambling parties involving young people; if you are involved in such an event make sure information about problem gambling and where to get help is provided

Treatment is free and confidential

If you are worried that you or your teen may be having problems related to gambling, help is available. Throughout Oregon help and treatment is free, confidential, and it works. more

Free teen and parent brochure download

Material in this section was adapted from: www.responsiblegambling.org/articles/teensBrochure.pdf .