The Spring Carnival is in full flight….the fillies, the fashion and the flutters. Hmmmm…..”flutters”. “Flutters” is one of those words that makes something that could be very serious seem like it’s a tiny, wee thing that is harmless, perhaps even beautiful. For some, a flutter is poison.
Problem gambling, in essence, is when someone has difficulties limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or the community.
We know of the stories of parents leaving their children in unattended motor vehicles for long stretches of time while they gamble as casinos or poker machine venues. We know that a problem gambler can get to the point where they spend all of the household’s income… and then some. The effect of this on young children is obviously problematic leading to financial problems and relationship issues in families. According to Australian statistics, problem gamblers are more than six times more likely to divorce than non-problem gamblers. Clearly, family separation has a clear impact on children.
What about children who become problem gamblers? Before you scoff and picture a child standing up on a box to reach a one-armed-bandit, consider how easy it is to gamble these days without even leaving home…in fact, without even leaving your bedroom. These days, it is easier than ever to gamble. People can gamble day and night on their smart phones, tablets or home computers. Television advertisements remind us that we can bet while we watch the season’s final of our favourite sporting codes. People can bet on the outcomes of nearly anything and can gamble in online bingo-type games 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For those who have an urge, there are plenty of ways to follow through at a moment’s notice.
When adults with problem gambling are asked, many will report that they started their problem gambling during their teen years. Young people (age 18-24) spend more money on poker machines that any other age group (and you thought it was those grey-haired nanna’s, didn’t you?).
Statistics tell us that problem gambling in children is linked to a range of factors:
Not all children who play cards as youngsters will go on to become problem gamblers. Most children will grow up to gamble occasionally for fun and be able to walk away before they risk too much money, too much time, or too many social and relationship issues.
So, as perhaps you consider heading on out that door for a champagne cocktail and a “flutter” in the office sweep, you can be reassured that most children will be okay when it comes to gambling, but what signs might indicate that your child may be one that does have issues with gambling?
Things may need a closer look if:
I’m not sure that it’s completely possible to guarantee, 100{ba4639bc087185d97391fd5d15a50de89571c56f25425ee41c30a195518528de}, that your child won’t become a problem gambler, but if you want to take some steps towards preventing problem gambling in your kids, the research would suggest you talk with your kids about gambling.
To send healthy messages to young people about gambling and ensure that they can keep it fun and healthy:
If you need to get help for yourself or for someone who is worrying you with their gambling, there are some fabulous resources for people with problem gambling as well as their families available at Gambling Help Online http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
Kids Help Line has some great resources for young people who have worries or low mood as well as having some information in relation to money issues http://www.kidshelpline.com.au/teens/get-info/hot-topics/money-matters.php
If you are a teacher or a mental health professional, there are a range of useful resources available using skills training, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Relapse Prevention Models.
The “best bet” is to spend time with your young people and help them with day to day decisions, taking considered time before acting, getting help early if there are any signs they are not coping with their lot in life, and making sure they can have fun without their needing to be some gain or win.
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