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Betting on Your Childs Future:Parents are Partners in Gambling Prevention

By Carolyn Pickett, B.S.W.Photos are for illustrative purposes

Problem Gambling Help Line1-888-795-1111For residents of British ColumbiaToll-free 24 hours a dayBritish ColumbiaResponsible Gambling StrategyGambling information and resources for residents of BCCopyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Introductions:Introduce yourself, your role, and the BC Responsible Gambling Strategys programs and goals.Go around and ask them their name, the age(s) of their children (if they are comfortable sharing that), and what they hope to learn from todays session.Ask the group to rate the following statement, where 1 is Agree and 10 is Disagree, How would you respond to the following statement: Learning more about the risks associated with youth gambling is not as important as learning more about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol.1 of parents report they rarely or never discuss gambling related issues with their teen.

Parents who believe their teen has gambled for money

Actual BC Underage Youth participation in gambling(2007)We are Glad You are Here because

43%13%56%Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # State that we are glad they decided to attend today, because(read stats above). DECODE conducted a study on parental attitudes toward youth gambling in Canada (2009). The above are some key statistics from this study.As long as parents dont feel underage gambling is a relevant issue, conversations wont happen. (DECODE, 2009)2By the end of the session, you will be able to:describe the forms of gambling that youth are engaged in and who youth gamble with; recognize risk factors that contribute to youth developing a gambling problem and your role as partners in prevention; name three signs of problem gambling in youth as well as understand the cautions around drawing conclusions; and list two pointers on how to talk with kids about gambling.

Objectives for TodayCopyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # We hope that by the end of todays session, you will be able toReview the Learning Objectives. Optional Activity ask the group to do the quiz, then review the answers (see quiz handout)Quiz Answers:1. D 2. A 3. All 4. A 5. False 6. True 7. False 8. False 9. False 10. FalseNote: if not using this activity, hide this slide prior to your presentation.

3Im hosting a Texas HoldEm tournament this weekend at my house. There is no cost to you. Ill provide all the chips and the winner will get a free poker set, just for fun.It costs $5 to get into the local community fair. Your ticket gives you entry into the fair and a chance to win a flat screen t.v. Ill bet you my iPod that I can beat you to school on my bike.Im collecting money for my soccer team. You can buy one ticket for $2 and 3 tickets for $5. There are three prizes to be given away. Im inviting friends over to watch the UFC championships. Everyone bets $5 and chooses a winner, winner takes all.

Which of these is Gambling?Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Ask which of these games is gambling and why they think so. At the end, show the definition of gambling (next slide).4Any experience involving the wagering, bettingor risking of money or valuables (jewellery, electronics, clothing, etc.) on an activity of chance, where money or other valuables may be won or lost (unpredictable outcome).Gambling is

Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # More than ever before, gambling is a part of our society. While the legal age for gambling is 19, we know many youth are participating in gambling. Even toys designed for kids mimic gambling: Show next three slides5Candy Poker ChipsReal Poker ChipsChildren are exposed to Gambling now more than ever

Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Compare Candy Poker Chips to real poker chips.6Who Do These Games Appeal To?

Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Poker has traditionally been a game predominantly played by men. However, with the assistance of marketing, it is becoming more popular amongst women/girls as well (games found in your local store).7

Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # A childrens hand held poker game.8of all students in the province have gambled by the age of 18 The average age of onset of gamblingof youth aged 15 18 have participated in at least one gambling activity in the last 2 months

The percentage of youth that have gamble online for money but began playing online for free

Statistics56%13%43%13.4 Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # **Youth are gambling more than using alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, but the awareness of the risks involved is not as high.A study in Manitoba showed that 56% of all students in the province have gambled by the age of 18 (Addictions Foundation Manitoba). The same study showed that 13.4 years old was the average age of onset of gambling (AFM).

The DECODE study commissioned in 2008 by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation explored BC youths attitudes and behaviours around gambling (youth aged 15-24). The study found that:43% of youth aged 15 18 have participated in at least one gambling activity in the last 2 months13% have gamble online for money but began playing online for free

9think that practice can improve their chances of winning, and they can win at gambling if they know what they are doing.

Youth in BCCopyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Taken from the 2008 DECODE study, commissioned by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.10 Where are youth gambling?Home, friends house, schoolWho are they gambling with?Friends, family, relatives and siblingsWhat kinds of games are they playing?Cards (poker), lottery, sports betting and internet* *the most time and money is reportedly spent on online gambling

Profile of a Youth Gambler

Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Ask each question and let people answer before showing the answers. These statistics are in order of prevalence.One Ontario study (Responsible Gambling Council) suggests that 35% of kids aged 13 17 years gamble for money (Decodes numbers are 43% in 2007). Of these: 40% play poker; 23% bet on sports; 10% gamble online. The most time and money was reported to have been spent on internet gambling. The Decode study also notes that parents are the number one lottery ticket source for underage youth.

11Development: stage of risk-taking & experimentationBrain maturation is not complete until about age 24!Youth now exposed to varied forms of gambling: new rite of passageYouth are gambling more often than they are using alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, but awareness about the risks is not as highRisk Factors

Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Point: Adolescence is a period of profound brain maturation: The maturation process is not complete until about age 24!!! (Gupta and Derevensky)Youth tend to view risk-taking behaviour positively and associate risk-taking with opportunity, excitement and fun. (DECODE, 20008)-Gambling has become the new rite of passage amongst youth.

12of youth report that their parents are buying lottery or instant win tickets for them to play

Youth who report that their parents have gambled in the past year show a significantly higher participation in various gambling activities than youth who report that their parents have not gambled in the past 12 months.

The Good NewsParents are the number one resource that youth say they would turn to if they ever experienced any problems as a result of gambling.

The Role of Parents67% VideoCopyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # SHOW VIDEO: Children See, Children Do13Come from all social backgrounds and are both male and femaleAre often competitive, perfectionist, bright and extrovertedStarted gambling at home in their pre-teens (average age is 10)Began gambling socially by playing cards, betting on sports pools, or playing lottery ticketsAre unaware when a social activity becomes a problemDevelopmentally are at a stage of risk-taking and experimentationAre at increased risk for depression, low self-esteem, suicide ideation and attempts Sources: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca; Gupta and Derevensky, DECODE

Youth with Gambling ProblemsCopyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # -Adolescent problem gamblers report beginning gambling at earlier ages, approximately 10 years of age (Derevensky & Gupta, 2001; Gupta & Derevensky,1997a,1998a; Wynne et al., 1996)-Adolescent problem gamblers have higher rates of depression (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a,1998b, 2001; Marget, Gupta & Derevensky, 1999) and anxiety (Ste-Marie, Derevensky & Gupta, 2002)-Adolescents with gambling problems, ages 14-17, are at heightened risk for suicide ideation and suicide attempts (Gupta & Derevensky, 1998a, Nower, Derevensky & Gupta, 1999, 2000)14Possess gambling materials dice, playing cards, etc.Spend time on internet gambling sitesExperience unusual mood swings (can be related to gambling wins/losses)Exaggerated emotional responses to sports scoresSay that gambling is an easy way to make moneyUse money meant for necessities (lunch, bus fare, etc.) to gambleLie to family and friends about gamblingAdapted from www.notagame.org

Signs of Youth Problem GamblingCopyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Caution: Just because a person has one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that they are a problem gambler

15Have unexplained absences from schoolExperience a sudden drop in gradesUnexplained large amount of money in their possession or bragging about gambling winsShow an unusual interest in newspaper, magazines or other sports print mediaCommitted an illegal act to obtain money for gambling including theft from family membersIntense interest in conversations that revolve around gambling.Adapted from www.notagame.org

Signs of Problem Gambling, contd.Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Caution: Just because a person has one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that they are a problem gambler

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Find the right time to have a conversationAsk questions and listen for their attitudes about gamblingBe specific and concrete when you talk about gamblingBe clear about your own values toward gamblingBe careful about the language that you choose to useDont tell them, show them. Lead by example! Tips for Talking To Your ChildCopyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # Find the right time to have the conversation. Look for a time to bring up the topic naturally. Kids are quick to spot a lecture coming and often react negatively to this approach. Bring the topic up when viewing a program featuring professional poker players on TV, or during an announcement about the current lottery winner. The key to avoiding a conversation from turning into a perceived lecture is all about context. Ask questions and listen for their attitudes around gambling. Ask questions first and see what they think about gambling before offering your own opinion. Asking how many successful poker players there are in a tournament out of thousands can be a good start. This could be a good opportunity to find out what they know and dispel any misconceptions they have. An attitude that shows a young person is thinking of gambling as a way to make money or as a career choice is a red flag that they have some distorted ideas about this topic. Talk about the difference between skill-based games where practice pays off (video games and playing sports) and gambling where the outcome is random and based on chance.Be specific and concrete. When you talk about gambling make sure they understand it does not just involve games in the casino. Make sure when you discuss gambling that you give specific examples such as betting on sports, playing poker or cards for money, or gambling on the Internet. These are the types of gambling that kids most likely will be engaged in.Be clear about your own values. Discuss what your family and friends think about gambling and the way your family chooses to participate in gambling. Let your kids know that gambling isnt a way to make easy money. Games run by casinos, lotteries, racetracks, and Internet gambling companies are all designed so that people lose more money than they win. Games are designed to make a profit for the house, not the player. If you have spiritual or cultural beliefs and values around gambling, share and discuss these as well.Be careful about the language you choose to use. Avoid sweeping statements or threats. Whenever possible try and avoid the word dont. Research indicates that youth do not respond positively to this message. Instead give them information around odds, randomness, the consequences of developing a problem or how someone can gamble responsibly once they reach the legal age to do so (19+). Dont tell them, show them. Parents are important role models for their children and kids are quick to spot discrepancies between what you say and what you do. Demonstrate your values by the way you live. Convey to your kids the role of gambling in your own life. Let them know that when you gamble it is from a conscious, informed position. Share the guidelines you use when you gamble.

Introduce the video

17Free Counselling:Individual, couples, family, day treatment, and group counselling available.All services are free and confidential. Multilingual services available.Education:Presentations, workshops, information and training for all age groups.Problem Gambling Help Line: 1-888-795-6111 (free anywhere in BC). Currently available in 13 languages.Available 24 hours/ day, 7 days per week.Website: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

BC RGS Resources and Services

Copyright 2010 BC Responsible Gambling StrategySlide # 18