National Parents’ Day and Problem Gambling: How to Spot the Warning Signs in Kids

Many adults may not realize that children can start gambling at a very young age. Nowadays, with most children receiving smartphones around the ages of 10 to 11, this not only exposes them to social media peer pressure but also to the risk of engaging in gambling as minors. Problem gambling is a hidden addiction that can gradually take control or become an immediate and ongoing problem.

This is something parents with children of all ages need to be aware of, and what better time to start than on National Parent’s Day, which falls on July 27^th this year?¹ It is important to keep track of what your children are doing on their phones, and also to think twice about gambling-related gifts such as lottery tickets, which we talk about every December for the Gift Responsibly Campaign.

Although the legal age to gamble in the Sunshine State is 18, this does not prevent children from starting at a much younger age. Our adolescent gambling and problem gambling prevalence study revealed that over 40% of Florida adolescents reported gambling in the past year, and 11% identified as weekly gamblers! ²

Unlike tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, gambling can be accessed easily through a phone, deck of cards, or even coins, making it more accessible to youth. Many adult problem gamblers also report that they began gambling when they were young. Evidence suggests that starting to gamble while the brain is still developing greatly increases the risk of developing gambling problems later in life.

Facts About Florida Adolescents and Gambling:

As concerning as these findings are, note that the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling completed this research in 2002, before the dawn of the smartphone and the mobile Internet. Access to gambling opportunities has increased dramatically for teens since then!

• Florida prevalence research revealed 18.5% of adolescents ages 13-17 reported purchasing lottery tickets in their lifetime and 12.5% within the past year.
• Lifetime participation in gambling was almost 70% among Florida residents, ages 13 to 17.
• Over 40% reported gambling in the past year and 11.5% identified as weekly gamblers.
• Adolescent problem gamblers also had much higher rates of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use.²

Warnings Signs of Underage Gambling Issues:

It’s no secret that teens and pre-teens don’t share everything with their parents, especially when it comes to personal struggles. On top of that, problem gambling is known as the hidden addiction due to its lack of physical signs that can be observed with substance use. For parents, knowing what to look and how to access help is half the battle.

1. Emotional or Behavioral Changes:
   • Increased secrecy, lying, or defensiveness about activities or finances.
   • Noticeable changes in mood, including irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression, especially when unable to gamble.
   • Withdrawal from family, friends, or usual hobbies and activities.
   • Neglecting responsibilities such as schoolwork or chores.

2. Financial Issues:
   • Frequently asking for money, borrowing, or even stealing to fund gambling activities.
   • Unexplained disappearance of money or valuables.

3. Preoccupation with Gambling:
   • Talking excessively about gambling or spending a lot of time researching gambling activities.
   • Constantly thinking about or planning the next opportunity to gamble.
   • Loss of interest in previous hobbies or activities in favor of gambling.

4. Academic or Social Problems:
   • Decline in school performance, poor attendance, or incomplete homework.
   • Isolation from peers or engagement in risky behaviors to obtain gambling funds.

Help is Available 24/7 for Parents: 888-ADMIT-IT

These are all notable signs to a child gambling. When you open up a conversation about drugs or alcohol always include problem gambling in that conversation. If you notice several of these warning signs in a child, it is important to seek professional help, as early intervention greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.  For more information, support, and resources about underage problem gambling, you can call or text the Florida Helpline at 888-ADMIT-IT. This confidential, multilingual helpline is available 24/7 to assist you and has tailored resources for parents. Learn more and use our free Youth/Adolescent Self-Assessment Quiz on gamblinghelp.org.

1. Moore, Matt George. “National Parents’ Day.” National Today, 14 Sept. 2023, nationaltoday.com/national-parents-day/.  
2. Shapira, N. A., Ferguson, M. A., Frost-Pineda, K., & Gold, M. S. (2002). Gambling and Problem Gambling Prevalence among Adolescents in Florida.