September is a month of new beginnings. The summer months are past, parents are sending their children back to school, and teachers and students are setting new goals. Regarding new beginnings for our youth, it is timely to mention that September is Responsible Gaming Education Month. With sports betting, online gambling activities, loot boxes, and esports, educating our children on the dangers of gambling has never been so important. As a new school year begins, we have an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling problems among youth and young adults. Despite gambling being illegal for those under the age of twenty-one, more than half of teens gamble. Iowa data shows over 20% of teens had bet on sporting events and 25% had played card or dice games. Children who are exposed to and begin gambling by age 12 are four times more likely to struggle with compulsive gambling when they are older. While it may seem too early to think about your child gambling, some children start as young as 10 years old and most have gambled by the age of fifteen.
Here are some signs that your child may be struggling with gambling.
•Playing gambling- type games on the internet.
•Asking for/borrowing money from family and friends.
•Bragging about winning.
•Decrease in school performance.
•Selling personal belongings.
•Withdrawal from friends and family.
•Lying, cheating, or stealing in school.
•Less involvement with usual activities.
•Missing money or valuables.
-Having gambling “stuff” (poker books, betting sheets, etc.)
As parents, you have the power to make a difference. Become educated and help your child learn how to avoid problem gambling. If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing a problem with gambling, reach out to 1-800-BETS-OFF from Your Life Iowa for free, confidential support. New Opportunities, Inc. is part of the Iowa Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Service System with services funded by the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG). For more information on problem gambling please visit the Your Life Iowa website at yourlifeiowa.org or contact New Opportunities, Behavioral Health Department for Problem Gambling treatment at 712-792-9266.
