Gambling Disorder Prevention

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

  • 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: ncpgambling.org; preventionlane.org

• Symptoms of Problem Gambling:

  • Preoccupation with gambling

  • “Chasing losses” or the idea of trying to get back money lost by gambling more

  • Difficulty cutting back or stopping gambling

  • Irritability when trying to cut down or stop gambling

  • Lying to hide gambling activities

  • Gambling to escape from problems or bad moods

  • Committing illegal acts to pay for gambling

  • Relying on others for a bailout from gambling debts

  • Gambling with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement

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

• 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.

Resources

Data

Strategic Prevention Framework

Applying the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to Problem Gambling

SPF Resource Guide
Community Readiness Tool