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gambling
We
are living in a society where legalized gambling is not only socially
acceptable, it is widely promoted and highly visible, however online
gambling is illegal in the United States. Still, more than a million
young people and millions of adults are gambling online on a regular
basis.
To
help identify when gambling has become an addiction, whether online
or offline, review the following list of questions:
PROBLEM
GAMBLING WARNING SIGNS
Is
gambling the most exciting activity in your life?
Do you miss
school, work, activities, or other events due to gambling?
Has
anyone expressed concern about your gambling?
Do you lie to your
friends or family about your gambling?
Do you borrow money to
gamble?
Have you sold personal belongings to get money to gamble?
Have you stolen from your family, friends, or employer to gamble
or to pay back gambling debts?
After losing, do you try to win
your money back by gambling?
Are you preoccupied with thoughts of
gambling?
Have you tried to stop gambling but can't?
Parents
should have frank conversations to help children understand the risks
associated with online gambling,
and gambling in general. There need to be clear discussions about the
potential gambling has for addiction – including all the costs,
financial and otherwise, that addiction can entail.
