How to Stop Compulsive Gambling Online

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.