Caveat: This post has been prompted by a growing number of messages we have received over the past year from parents and caregivers expressing surprise and concern upon discovering that their child has been engaging in online gambling activities.
Traditionally, problematic gambling behavior has been viewed as an adult issue. However, recent research and trends indicate a disturbing rise in youth involvement in gambling activities online. Dr. Jeff Derevensky, Chair of the Faculty of Education at McGill University and a professor in the Department of Psychiatry, notes that while the prevalence of problematic gambling behavior among adults is 1-2%, the rates for youth (under the age of 18yrs) are significantly higher, ranging from 3-4%. (1) MediaSmarts’ Canada research found that approximately one in five Canadian kids between the ages of nine and 17 engage in casino or gambling games online. (2) In Ontario, a concerning 14.8% of teens engage in online gambling, including activities like gaming, online poker, and sports betting (3). The reality of the liberalized nature of online gambling, with options for free play and token-based games, today exposes children to these activities earlier than traditional in-person gambling of the past.
Gambling has seamlessly integrated into online gaming experiences through mechanisms like loot boxes (4) and online casinos within games (5). The line between gambling and gaming is increasingly blurred, with gambling features embedded in popular video games and mobile apps. This integration can pose a challenge for youth to differentiate between skill-based and chance-based activities, leading to potential risks. The earlier a person starts to gamble, the more likely it can lead to problematic gambling behaviour.
What many parents, caregivers, and educators do not realize – with the recent decriminalization of sports betting by the Canadian government in August 2021, the regulatory responsibility was handed over to the provinces, resulting in inconsistencies in the legal gambling age across Canada. Given this fact, loopholes, combined with the challenge of regulating online offshore casinos, create opportunities for the financial exploitation of our kiddos.
The pervasive nature of sports betting advertisements on TV, radio, and social media platforms using popular entertainment and sports icons like Jamie Foxx (6) or Wayne Gretzky (7) further compound, expose, and entice youth to gambling activities. What many parents and caregivers don’t know – online gambling on specialized sites like casinos or social media platforms can be done without payments, with tokens and “free games”. This liberalizes the act of gambling even further, and it exposes children and young adults to it much earlier than in-person activities. Yes, many of these gambling sites online have age requirements, but youth can often get around age verification or access unregulated online gambling sites very easily.
Although issues such as changes in behaviour, mood, and school challenges are common indicators that something may be going on with your child, Dr. May Anzilotti has shared some other warning signs to be aware of that your child may have a gambling problem which includes (8)
- Being very secretive about what they do online
- Increased interest in sports—not just a favorite team, but scores from many games
- Checking their phone constantly during sporting events
- Intense interest if other people start talking about gambling
- Owing money to others
- Spending a lot of money
- Frequently asking for money
- Stealing
- Having betting sheets, lottery tickets, casino chips and other gambling materials
- A sudden knowledge of gambling terms, like “spread,” “line,” and “parlay”
Teens who struggle with gambling tend to experience more negative life events compared to those who don’t gamble or only do so casually. They also show signs of poor self-control, take more risks, use less effective coping methods, perform worse in school, and lack understanding of the risks associated with problem gambling.
Problematic gambling in youth can lead to behavioral addiction and consume a significant amount of their time. Similar to adults with gambling issues, young gamblers may use gambling as a way to cope with stress, escape problems, overcome boredom, or seek excitement. It’s crucial to address these underlying issues in youth to promote healthier coping mechanisms and prevent problematic gambling behavior.
If you think your child may be dealing with problematic gambling behavior, it’s important to act quickly – start by recognizing the signs in children, like those mentioned in this article. If you believe your child is engaging in this type of online line behaviour, approach your child with empathy and understanding, emphasizing the importance of seeking help.
Seeking professional support and resources to address your child’s problematic gambling behaviour and the underlying issues is important. This may involve therapy, participation in support groups, or other specialized treatments. One such resource here in British Columbia – Gambling Support BC, which has a specialty in providing resources in this specific area of concern (9). Many other provinces across Canada offer similar resources.
Youth gambling online requires heightened attention from parents, caregivers, and educators. The integration of gambling into online gaming experiences has blurred the line between skill and chance, exposing young individuals to potential risks. There is no doubt that the recent decriminalization of sports betting, coupled with inconsistencies in legal gambling ages across Canada, created loopholes that may lead to the financial exploitation of our kiddos online.
Youth prevention initiatives must not only raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling but also focus on building essential skills to prevent problematic gambling. Recognizing warning signs and taking swift action is crucial, and seeking professional support, like that offered by Gambling Sport BC, is a vital step toward addressing and overcoming youth gambling addiction. Establishing clear boundaries, maintaining open communication, and addressing the underlying issues can contribute to reclaiming a sense of control and well-being for young individuals facing this challenging condition.
The onlife world has brought about new challenges in protecting youth from the risks of gambling online. It is crucial for parents to be vigilant, understand the signs of problematic gambling behavior, and engage in open conversations with their children. Youth prevention initiatives should not only raise awareness but also equip young individuals with the skills to manage stressors constructively without resorting to gambling. Together, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for the next generation.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Resources:
1/ https://whereparentstalk.com/profiles-category/the-impact-of-sports-betting-igaming-youth-gambling-and-addiction/ or http://youthgambling.com
3/ https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdf—osduhs/2021-osduhs-report-pdf.pdf
4/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563223000365
5/ https://g-mnews.com/en/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-casino-in-gta-online/
6/ https://people.com/jamie-foxx-betmgm-commercial-sports-betting-app-exclusive-7964261
7/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sports-betting-gambling-ads-gretzky-mcdavid-matthews-nhl-1.6710407
