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You would do anything to help your child thrive. But they may be gambling without even realizing it. From video gaming to gifted lottery tickets, even seemingly “harmless” activities can increase a child’s chance of a gambling disorder later on. Use the Parent Toolkit to learn where gambling can show up, spot the warning signs, and talk to your child about gambling.

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Is This Your Child?

  • Unexplained absences
  • Sudden drop in grades
  • Less interest in extracurricular activities
  • Withdrawing from friends
  • Lunch money or valuables go missing
  • Unusual interest in sports scores or video games

What Parents Need to Know About Youth Gambling

What is Gambling?

Any act that involves risking money or valuables on the outcome of a game or contest that is mostly determined by chance.
How are Kids Doing It?
Young people spend hours playing games on computers and mobile devices. Many times, games have coins, gems, loot boxes, and skins that replicate real-life gambling situations. Other forms include lottery tickets, betting on sports, internet challenges, or card games.
What are the Consequences?

What are the Consequences?
Kids who engage in youth gambling are more likely to experience a gambling disorder as an adult. They’re also more likely to experience depression and anxiety, drink and use illegal drugs, get into fights or criminal activity, and think about suicide. 

Want to Learn More?

Access discussion guides, warning signs, and gambling fact sheets to help you have the conversation with confidence.

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