Problem or compulsive gambling has always been an issue among the adult population. But today, teenage gambling, once a minor problem for parents, is a growing phenomena due to the easy access to online betting sites. Unfortunately, it is not unusual today for teens to develop gambling problems long before they are of legal gambling age.
In a review of 1,300 calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline for immediate help, 106 clients (8%) reported that their primary problem was internet gambling. The predominant age of these individuals was aged 18-25. Furthermore, a recent study by the Annenberg Foundation found that almost 600,000 youth (aged 14-22) reported gambling on the Internet on a weekly basis. These numbers need to be taken seriously and every parent whose child has Internet access should be aware of the possibility that his or her child could be gambling online. With games like Texas Holdem and celebrity poker tournaments being broadcast on television, gambling has become more mainstream
If you don’t think it is dangerous, consider the following facts:
- Children and teens are more susceptible to addiction.
- A gambling addiction is not different from an addiction to drugs and alcohol.
- The potential destructive effects can be devastating to the individual and the family as well as lead to other compulsive behaviors.
- Gambling today is normal behavior among teens.
- 20% of problem gamblers try to commit suicide at some point.
How can you tell if there is a problem?
If you know someone who gambles online, that does not mean they have a gambling problem. But stay aware.
- Experiencing a big win can lead to continued and more frequent gambling.
- They spend more and more time gambling in place of other entertainment or hobbies.
- There is a change in their job or academic performance.
- They need to borrow money frequently and/or start to exhibit pressure about finances.
- You find that money is missing from the house or your wallet.
- They start buying new, expensive items without reasonable explanations of the source of the money.
- Irritable behavior and mood swings.
Solutions
Even if you think it is under control, if a loved one is gambling, talk to them about it. Open communication is the best way to know what is happening and to prevent problems.
If you suspect your spouse or teen is hiding an online gambling problem, you can look at their computer and see what sites they are visiting online.
If you decide that you should block gambling sites or prevent online betting, you may want to enforce these Internet rules by installing a web filter.
Preventing access could be enough to eliminate the problem.
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February 17th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
I was wondering does anybody know of an effective way to stop gambling because i have caused so much hurt?
Hi, Basically i have hurt those whom love me due to compulsive gambling online and in casino’s. I have tried GA meetings and other things but i can’t stop. Recently i spent money on my 7 year old twins in there savings account. I suffer from some anxiety and well its hard for me to stop yet i work in an education capacity and people hold great trust in me…… I feel as if i have come to the end of the road and drastically need some measures to help…..please thanks…..Dermot
February 17th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
STOP GLAMBLING. DONT GO INTO ANY CASINO’S. DO NOT GO ONTO THE INTERNET.
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February 17th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
it is a big problem and very hard to stop. when it comes down to it u have to do it yourself, GA meetings do not help alot of people.
you have to take drastic measures like giving your money to your partner/family so they can look after it and if u cant pay your bills because of yor gambling u need someone to help you like keeping your money from you and getting them to pay the bills
think of how much money u have wasted on gambling, u mays well thrown all your money in the gutter or set fire to it coz its just a total waste
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February 17th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Gambling anonymous and seeing a shrink for OCD medicine. Good luck dude, it’s a tough one to beat , but there are worse…..
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February 17th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
You need serious therapy like going away to some remote camp. Its got to be hard on you and your family, but perhaps you don’t care about them as much as you might think you do when you keep on doing what your doing. You are hurting everyone. I am not a therapist but I believe you need to discipline yourself by staying away either from the PC or those sites. Nobody else can do this but you, my friend. Good Luck.
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February 17th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
See a psychiatrist and ask for an SSRI- (an antidepressant which may help with compusive behavior) in addition,…search on internet or phone book for local GA chapter. Join this immediatly. You are not alone! Many people suffer from this.
Good luck!
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February 17th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
The only way you are going to stop your gambling problem is to seriously want to stop. I do mean seriously want to. You are the only one who can do it. It’s time for you to get good and mad at yourself and promise to stop. You say you work in an education capacity, then get your "guts" together, all your will, and fight to quit. Put faith in yourself, and fight it. Set up that bank account for the twins and watch it grow from not gambling. Start yourself a calendar and each time you refuse yourself to go make a huge "X" on that day, then feel proud that you held back. Then do it again, and again. Mark up that calendar for your own sake and be proud. You can do it!
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February 17th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Go to a meeting, now. You need professional guidance. This forum is not the place.
Look up GA in your local phone book and GO. NOW. Before you lose everything, including your family home.
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February 17th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
You should try a combination of drug therapy and GA meetings. You must go to the meetings every week – don’t let yourself miss even one. And be honest when you’re there. Admit it if you’ve relapsed and ask for help.
A prescription drug for anxiety or depression may help – many gamblers find the urge goes away with a drug. You won’t have to take it your whole life, either. Sometimes just a year or two can do enough to reset your brain chemistry.
Finally, and MOST importantly, cut off your access to gambling. Tell your wife (or a close friend) to cancel your internet service at home, close credit accounts or freeze your credit cards (literally, in a block of ice in the freezer, that way you have them in an emergency) and make sure you have no access to your kids’ money. A supportive wife or friend will do everything possible to make sure you can’t access money or gambling websites.
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