Youth Gambling - What Is 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.

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?