Talk Gambling
What does youth gambling look like?
Facts about youth gambling
So start talking.
Use these tips from the National Council on Problem Gambling to help you get started:
Find out what your child already knows
Ask simple questions like: What is gambling? Have you seen it happen around you? Have you participated in gambling?
Teach your child the facts
Remind your child that any gambling when still a youth is unsafe. Gambling can be addictive and can change how our brain is working. And remember these facts from the National Council on Problem Gambling:
- Approximately 4-5% of youth, ages 12-17, meet one or more criteria of having a gambling problem.
- Another 10-14% are at risk of developing an addiction, which means that they already show signs of losing control over their gambling behaviors.
Give your child clear rules
Good rules make it clear to your youth that it is not acceptable for them to participate in ANY gambling activities when they are under the age of 18. And let them know the consequences if they do.
Be prepared to answer your child's questions
Be honest because this topic can bring about serious questions, so know the facts about gambling activities and how it effects the developing brain.
Talk with your child about how to say ``no``
Make sure your child knows you can be the excuse. Remind them they can say “My mom will know if I do this, she has a 6th sense about these things and she would call your mom if she finds out, so no thanks, I don’t want any of us getting into trouble!”
Helpful Links & Resources
The following links may help you navigate this process and remember parental involvement is key to preventing problem gambling.