Navigating Your Way Through Gambling Worries
As parents, we know where to turn to find a trusted doctor when our kids are sick. We can easily find a therapist when they have mental health struggles or a trusted provider when we’re worried about a developmental delay.
What about a trusted resource when it comes to minors gambling? That’s where Lakeshore Regional Entity (LRE) steps in with Stay Out of the Danger Zone. Their mission is to help provide support and resources for parents.
Screen Time Stakes: The Truth About Betting Online
Gambling isn’t just happening at casinos or the horse tracks; it’s happening right under your nose, from the comfort of your own home.
Now that phones, computers and other devices are everywhere, so is the opportunity to gamble.
Amy Embury, SUD Prevention Manager at LRE, reminds us that gambling options are strategically placed into the apps and games that kids, tweens and teens are playing – leading to more opportunities to place bets.
In-game gambling options may not be the traditional gambling you’re thinking.
Many video games geared toward kids have loot boxes available to purchase.
Imagine your kids are playing their favorite racing game and want to have an orange car. They purchase a loot box, but the box only gives them blue and red. Although they were given two options with the first box, they still want the orange car.
The game has predicted this and offers another box for purchase (sometimes even at a discount!).
Whether it’s a phone, video game controller or other piece of technology, gambling is truly at the fingertips of our younger generations.
Spot It Early, Act Fast
Are you starting to panic? Take a deep breath.
As with a physical illness or mental health struggles, there are also warning signs for gambling.
Warning Signs:
| Daily life is being impacted: friendships, extracurriculars/activities, school |
| Significant changes in things they have previously enjoyed |
| All conversations revolve around placing bets, gambling and gaming |
| Constantly seeking opportunities or pocket of time to be alone to play games |
| Anxious, irritable, and/or signs of depression |
Note that these signs don’t necessarily mean your child is gambling. You know your child best. Awareness is key.
Not all warning signs are seen through your child’s behavior. “Keep an eye on your bank transactions,” warns Embury. If you see charges for “in-app” or “i-Tunes” purchases you didn’t make, it could be an online bet.
Prevention starts at home.
It’s important for parents and trusted adults to model responsible gambling and betting behaviors. But what does this mean? It means knowing there’s a legal age for gambling – in Michigan that age is 18.
More Prevention Tips:
| Establish verification codes for in-app purchases |
| Limit screen time on video games and mobile devices |
| Get active: Extracurriculars and family activities are great options! |
| Set parental controls on mobile devices and video games |
| Set ground rules and guidelines and make sure you’re following through |
| The most important: know when to seek help |
Handle Gambling Woes Like a Boss: Resources You Need
If you’ve discovered that your child is or may be gambling, know that you are not alone.
“I think many people struggle and I think often people feel like my kid would never struggle with this,” Embury reflects. “But people would be really surprised to know that a lot of this is normal.”
Gambling may not be getting discussed at the school pick-up line. But, it doesn’t mean that it’s not on the mind of the mom next to you.
There are resources out there to put in your metaphorical toolbox.
More About Lakeshore Regional Entity
LRE campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness and provide parents and families with resources on specific gambling-related topics.
During the month of December, they raise awareness for responsible gifting. This is an excellent reminder for families and gift givers that lottery tickets are not for youth under the age of 18.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. LRE focuses on sharing the resources, warning signs and promoting awareness for loved ones struggling with gambling.
These include both State and National services:
- Michigan Problem Gambling Hotline: 1-800-270-7117
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Self Exclusion from Michigan Lottery
Staying Safe in the Digital Maze
Using a phone, computer or gaming system is the new way to gamble – making it easy for teens to get involved in this risky behavior.
As parents, it’s important to know and understand the signs of normal behavior in your kids and what could be seen as gambling behaviors.
It takes a village to raise kids. It’s okay to ask for help – you don’t have to do this alone!
