For immediate support with problem gambling, call us at
1-800-GAMBLER
1-800-GAMBLER
Youth Gambling
Maryland youth are growing up in a society where legaized gambling is an acceptable, widely promoted, and highly visible recreational activity. Problem gambling is an obsession that can overtake and destroy a young person's life in an instant. Gambling attracts kids from all types of families, economic backgrounds, ethnic groups, and religious faiths. Most teens with serious problems were introduced to gambling by a parent or other adult close to them.
For most teenagers, games are a time for fun. For 7% of teenagers, however, games become a serious gambling addiction.
Time Magazine estimates that out of nearly 8 million problem gamblers in America, one million are teenagers. These teens become hooked on all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, card playing, lotteries, racetracks, and illegal gambling. The rate of growth of teenage gambling is as alarming as the numbers. Just 10 years ago, teenage gambling was rarely mentioned as a problem. Today, gambling counselors say an average of 7% of their cases are teenagers.
While society increasingly frowns on youthful smoking, sex, alcohol, and other drug use, kids have been given the message that gambling is legitimate, fun, and safe.
Teens with a gambling problem will gamble to escape otehr problems and/or reality. They may be lonely, depressed, or bored. Teens may feel pressure from their peers and want to impress others. They may want to be the center of attention, and they feel that gambling provides them with a means to be as such. Our youth, like many adults, see gambling as a quick way to get rich. Winning provides an instant, temporary boost of self confidence.
If you think your child may have a gambling problem, here are some questions for teens that may show warning signs.
• Is gambling the most exciting activity in your life?
• Do you miss school, activities, or other events due to gambling?
• Has anyone expressed concern about your gambling?
• Do you lie to your friends or family about your gambling?
• Do you borrow money to gamble?
• Have you sold personal belongings to get money to gamble?
• Have you stolen from your family, friends, or employer to gamble or to pay off gambling debts?
• After losing, do you try to win your money back by gambling?
• Are you preoccupied with thoughts of gambling?
• Have you tried to stop gambling but can't?Concerned parents or teens can call our helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Our helpline specialists are here to help you 24 hours a day.
For most teenagers, games are a time for fun. For 7% of teenagers, however, games become a serious gambling addiction.
Time Magazine estimates that out of nearly 8 million problem gamblers in America, one million are teenagers. These teens become hooked on all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, card playing, lotteries, racetracks, and illegal gambling. The rate of growth of teenage gambling is as alarming as the numbers. Just 10 years ago, teenage gambling was rarely mentioned as a problem. Today, gambling counselors say an average of 7% of their cases are teenagers.
While society increasingly frowns on youthful smoking, sex, alcohol, and other drug use, kids have been given the message that gambling is legitimate, fun, and safe.
Teens with a gambling problem will gamble to escape otehr problems and/or reality. They may be lonely, depressed, or bored. Teens may feel pressure from their peers and want to impress others. They may want to be the center of attention, and they feel that gambling provides them with a means to be as such. Our youth, like many adults, see gambling as a quick way to get rich. Winning provides an instant, temporary boost of self confidence.
If you think your child may have a gambling problem, here are some questions for teens that may show warning signs.
• Is gambling the most exciting activity in your life?
• Do you miss school, activities, or other events due to gambling?
• Has anyone expressed concern about your gambling?
• Do you lie to your friends or family about your gambling?
• Do you borrow money to gamble?
• Have you sold personal belongings to get money to gamble?
• Have you stolen from your family, friends, or employer to gamble or to pay off gambling debts?
• After losing, do you try to win your money back by gambling?
• Are you preoccupied with thoughts of gambling?
• Have you tried to stop gambling but can't?Concerned parents or teens can call our helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Our helpline specialists are here to help you 24 hours a day.
Copyright © 2004 by Problem Gambling Council of Maryland