Compulsive or problem gambling has been a problem among adults for a long time. This problem has been exacerbated by the availability of online gambling and betting sites. As a result, teen gambling is a growing problem. It is not uncommon to hear of teens addicted to online gambling.
A review of 1300 calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline revealed that 106 (8%) clients reported that internet gambling was their main problem. These individuals were primarily between the ages of 18 and 25. A recent Annenberg Foundation study found that nearly 600,000 teenagers (aged 14-22 years) gamble every week.
These numbers are alarming but not surprising.
It is dangerous.
Addiction is more common in children and teens. Gambling at an early age can be dangerous. Gambling addiction is no different from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. These can have devastating effects on the person and their families and cause compulsive behavior. Online poker’s popularity and the widespread acceptance of gambling have made it more mainstream and acceptable. As a result, gambling is now an expected behavior even among teenagers.
20% of problem gamblers attempt suicide. An indicator of a problem A massive win can trigger gambling. Keep your eyes peeled. They gamble more than any other entertainment or hobby. Their academic performance has improved. They may need to borrow money often and feel pressured about finances.
You discover that your house is empty of money. They buy expensive, new items without any explanations about how they got them.
Solutions
Talk to your child about gambling. Communication is key to understanding what’s going on and how to avoid problems. You can check the computer of your teen to see which sites they visit online if you suspect that they may be gambling. You may wish to install parental control software if you feel your teen shouldn’t be allowed to gamble online. Consult a professional if you suspect that there is a severe problem.
You can use software to prevent your teenager from accessing gambling websites. In most cases, removing access to the problem will suffice.
