Youth – Do You Have a Gambling Problem

Gambling seems like fun to start with. Looks like easy money, but it’s also easy to get hooked and before you know it you may find you have a big problem. Remember — the odds are against you — the ‘house’ nearly always wins!

Here are some questions that you can ask yourself:

The Warning Signs – Self evaluation

  • Do you have preoccupation with money (asking, begging, borrowing, never having enough)?
  • Do you often find yourself thinking about gambling activities and/or planning the next time you will play?
  • Do you often spend too much or are strapped for cash?
  • Do you withdraw from friends and family?
  • Are you secretive – hiding things from family and friends?
  • Do you need to spend more and more money on gambling activities to get the same level of excitement?
  • Do you become restless, tense, fed-up, or bad-tempered when trying to cut down or stop gambling?
  • Do you ever gamble to escape or forget problems?
  • After losing money on gambling activities, do you ever return another day to try and win your money back?
  • Have you lied to your family and friends about your gambling?
  • Have you spent your lunch or transportation money on gambling activities?
  • Have you taken money from someone you live with, without their knowledge, in order to gamble?
  • Have you stolen money from outside the family or shoplifted in order to gamble?
  • Have you experienced problems with members of your family or close friends because of your gambling?
  • Have you missed school or work in order to participate in gambling activities?
  • Have you ever had to ask for help because of your gambling?

IF YOU HAVE ANSWERED “YES” TO SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE LOSING CONTROL OVER YOUR GAMBLING BEHAVIOUR?  See Link to Confidential Help-Lines below.

Consequences of Problem Gambling – Negative Signs

  • Teens with gambling problems are at greater risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, suicide and delinquent behavior.
  • Broken family ties
  • Lost friendships
  • Failure at school
  • Accumulation of debt.

A teen with a healthy life-style

  • Learns effective coping strategies; doesn’t gamble to relieve boredom
  • Feels self-confidant
  • Has a strong ties with family and friends
  • Limits use of alcohol
  • Sees parents as good role models
  • Participates in sports and other community activities

Talk To Somebody!

If you feel you need to talk to somebody or just want to know more, here are some places to call or links to get more information online. Click here to find the centre closest to you:  Please remember all Help Lines keep their calls confidential.

Adolescents and Youth Help Lines and Information Sites

International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviours
McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Kids Help Phone
Provides on-line support for youth on an array of problems

Wannabet
An online magazine for kids concerned about gambling published by the North American Training Institute

www.jeu-aidereference.qc.ca/www/homepage_en.asp
Quebec based gambling help and referral. Problem gambling education awareness and consultation.

YMCA- Ontario – Youth Gambling Program

Youth Bet
An interactive website addressing the issue of youth gambling utilizing health promotion, prevention and harm reduction strategies