Signs of Gambling in Children
It isn’t always easy to realise that a young person is gambling, which is why it is important to look out for early signs.
Signs of gambling in young people may include:
talking more about gambling or gambling-style games
a sudden fixation on winning
having more money than usual or borrowing money
missing money meant for food, travel, or pocket money
lying to friends or family about gambling
withdrawal from friends or previous activities
poor sleep, tiredness, distraction
missed school or work, or a drop in performance
unusually moody, anxious, guilty, or angry
fighting with family or friends
If your child plays a lot of online games, watch out for:
requests for money to pay for in-game purchases
playing for long periods of time
playing 18+ games
claims that they ‘nearly won’ something, or had a near-miss.
It’s important to look out for any changes in their behaviour. The sooner you spot these signs, the sooner you can help.
This advice is created and published in partnership between the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) Addiction Services.
HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline
If you have questions or concerns about drug or alcohol use, contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline for support, information, guidance and referral.
Freephone: 1800 459 459 - Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie