Youth Gambling - What Is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling is any gambling behavior that has a negative effect on your life or someone else's life.
What do we know about youth and young adults and problem gambling?
| - | Most youth are taught to gamble by their parents or an older relative. Problematic gambling often spans three generations in a family. |
| - | Problem gamblers often report early gambling experiences with someone older they loved and admired. |
| - | The younger someone starts gambling the greater the risk of developing a problem. Young adults and youth with serious problems may have started gambling as young as 9-11 years old. |
| - | Teens with gambling problems also tend to be heavier users of alcohol and cigarettes and also tend to experiment with other drugs e.g. marijuana. |
| - | Teens can get caught up in gambling because it feels challenging to develop a skill at different games or knowledge of sports. Sometimes they forget that the outcome will always be determined by chance. |
How would I know if I have a gambling problem?
| | Do many of your friends gamble? |
| | Have you ever skipped school/work to gamble? |
| | Have you ever missed an important event to gamble? |
| | Is gambling your favourite pastime? |
| | Do you think "a big win" will solve your problems? |
| | Do you like being the centre of attention while you are winning? |
| | Have you borrowed money to make a bet? |
| | Have you used lunch or bus money to gamble? |
| | Do you think gambling is a fast easy way to make money? |
| | Do you continually make bets thinking you can win back the money you lost? |
| | Have you ever gotten into trouble at school for gambling? |
| | Do you sometimes get into arguments or fights with your friends over gambling? |
| | Do you think gambling is the most exciting thing you do? |
| | Do you daydream about gambling? |
| | Does gambling help you escape from your problems? |
| | Does gambling relieve stress? |
If you answered yes to several of these questions, you may need to talk to someone. Call us at (519) 673-3242 ext. 234 or click here for e-mail.







