Signs of Gambling in Teenagers
Signs of gambling in teenagers
It isn’t always easy to realise that a young person is gambling. That is why it’s 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.
HSE helpline
If you think your child has a problem with gambling, contact our helpline for support and information.
Freephone: 1800 459 459 - Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie
Talking to your child about gambling
If you think your child is gambling
This advice is created and published in partnership between the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) Addiction Services.