Facts For Parents
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.
Seventy-five percent of teens reported having gambled (Carlson & Moore, 1998)
One in ten teens is an “at-risk” gambler (he or she may be moving toward problem gambling) (Carlson & Moore, 1998)
One in every 25 Oregon teens (4%) is a problem/pathological gambler (Carlson & Moore, 1998)
Almost 1/3 of teens have played the Oregon Lottery within the last year (minimum legal age to participate is 18 years old) (Carlson & Moore, 1998)
The rates of problem gambling among youth are 2-4 times higher than the rates for adult gambling, and Oregon youth are gambling at a younger age than in the past (Carlson & Moore, 1998; Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a; Shaffer & Hall, 1996)
Youth can hide gambling problems well—there aren’t outward physical signs (e.g., smell on the breath, slurred speech)
Many pathological gamblers report having started gambling early—approximately age 10 (Gupta & Derevensky, 2001; Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a; Gupta & Derevensky, 1997; Wynne, Smith, & Jacobs, 1996).
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
To escape problems
To overcome loneliness, boredom, etc.
To get easy money
To impress others
To be the center of attention
To make friends
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.
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.
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