Signs gambling may be a problem for young people

You might worry about your child spending a lot of time on video games. Could it mean they’re developing an unhealthy relationship with gambling?

How do you tell? Changes in spending, sleep patterns, mood, school marks and social activities could all be signs that a child or young person has an issue with gambling.

Things to watch out for

• They’re short of money all the time, and spending less on things like clothes, movies and music. Maybe they’re borrowing or taking money from family and friends.
• There could be unexplained changes in the amount of cash your child has – they could suddenly have a lot. Or none.
• You see them struggling at school or work. Have they had a drop in their grades, or are they consistently getting in trouble?
• You see them displaying uncharacteristic changes in mood, including irritability if they’re away from gambling activities.
• Perhaps they’re pulling away from friends, social activities and events.
• They could be sleeping differently. Their sleep patterns have changed, they’re more tired than usual or their energy is low.
• Maybe they’re being secretive about gambling, and denying that there’s a problem.
• You notice they have a new-found interest in sporting odds, and they only talk about sports and other events in terms of the odds.
• They start expressing positive attitudes towards gambling, or developing a preoccupation with video arcades, internet gambling sites, sports results or TV poker, or simulated gambling apps or games.