Gambling is risking money or something of material value on something with an uncertain outcome in hopes of winning additional money or something of material value.

Source: Williams, R., & Wood, R. (2010). Stacked deck: A program to prevent problem gambling: Facilitator's Guide. Hazelden.

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• Many video games- even games marketed toward children- offer the player the opportunity to purchase loot boxes.

• Loot boxes are virtual packages containing often unknown prizes that the player hopes will advance their game.

• Loot boxes have been associated with gambling, and some countries have even passed legislation to regulate loot boxes.

 

Being young is one risk factor of developing a gambling problem, which is why parents should be aware of their child’s gaming and gambling activity. 

 

See the warning signs and symptoms of problem gambling below:

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  Warning Signs of Problem Gambling in Young People:

•  Asking for/borrowing money from family or friends

• Unexplained debts or extra cash/possessions

• Unexplained time away from home, work, or school

• Behavior change (seems distracted, moody, sad, worried, etc.)

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Less involvement with usual activities

• An unusual amount of time spent watching or checking sports scores & statistics or playing gambling-type games

• Money or valuables are missing

• Selling personal belongings

• Bragging about winning

• Grades are dropping

• Lying, cheating, or stealing

  Sources: www.ncpgambling.org;www.preventionlane.org​

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  Risk Factors for Becoming a Problem Gambler:

• Being a youth

• Being male

• Gambling at an early age

• Having close access to gambling opportunities

• Having friends who gamble

• Having parents who are problem gamblers

• Having other addictions

• Having an early big win

• Not understanding how gambling works

• Having difficulty controlling impulses

• Having mental health conditions

  Source: Williams, R., & Wood, R. (2010). Stacked deck: A program to prevent problem gambling: Facilitator's Guide, Hazelden.