Research shows that 43% of kids surveyed in B.C. say they have gambled in the past year. In fact, kids are more likely to gamble than do drugs, smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, yet they're nowhere near as educated on the risks associated with gambling. That's why it's never too early to start a conversation with kids about gambling.

What is gambling?

Simply put, gambling is when you wager money, or something of value, on a game or activity based on chance.

Gambling can take many forms, like playing poker with friends, betting on a sporting event or even redeeming a lottery ticket received as a gift. And you can bet almost anything, including money, computer equipment, bikes, video games, etc.

Kids and gambling: The facts

• Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at 10.
• Kids are exposed to gambling images almost every day – from the corner store that sells lottery tickets to TV ads for poker and the local casino. And they have greater access to all forms of gambling than any previous generation.
• The types of gambling activities with the most participation by kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets, poker and betting on the outcome of a game.
• Kids who say their parents have gambled in the past year are significantly more likely to participate in gambling activities themselves.

What's the big deal about gambling?

Research shows that many parents don't see their kids' involvement in a poker game either at home or with friends as a problem. Likewise, kids see gambling being depicted in movies, online and on TV as a glamorous and exciting pastime – even as a lucrative career.

But there is cause for concern. The problem is that for young developing minds, the part of the brain responsible for risk assessment isn’t fully developed, and won’t be until well after adolescence. Of course, not all kids are the same – some are more attracted to risk-taking behavior than others. They perceive activities like gambling as exciting and therefore often ignore potential negative outcomes.

Parents as role models

The vast majority of kids say that parents are the first people they look to for advice and guidance. So by knowing the facts about gambling and starting conversations early, your kids will be better prepared to make responsible choices.

Lottery tickets can be a popular, easy gift for people of all ages, but we encourage parents to use their GameSense and refrain from giving them to anyone under 19.

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Talking to kids about gambling

• Use your GameSense by arming yourself with good information – learn how gambling works and understand the common myths about gambling.
• Try bringing up the conversation naturally, like when watching poker on TV or during an announcement about the latest lottery winner.
• Pose hypothetical questions to get the conversation going. Ask them how they might feel about betting with one of their prized possessions and how they’d feel about losing it.
• Let your kids know what your expectations are about gambling. Then, explain your reasons.
• Ask lots of questions and listen to their responses. It’s a good way to find out what they know and to dispel any misconceptions they might have.
• Talk to them about the difference between skill-based games (like video games/sports) where practice can pay off versus gambling where the outcome is random and based on chance.
• Actions speak louder than words. By demonstrating responsible gambling habits, you’ll help your kids make more informed decisions.

Keep an eye out for signs

If you see some of the following actions or behaviours, talk with your kids and seek help if you need to:

• Has friends who gamble regularly
• Is obsessed with the results of professional sports
• Often has dice, playing cards or lottery tickets
• Money or possessions go missing from the house
• Lies or is secretive about gambling activities
• Borrows or takes money from others to gamble

If you’re worried, call the BC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-795-6111, where you’ll find someone to talk to 24 hours a day. You can also review the other available resources.

Block access with BetStopper

BetStopper blocks access to Internet gambling sites and content, preventing kids from venturing where they don’t belong. You’ll never know everything your kids are doing online, but you can know what they’re not doing. BCLC offers BetStopper free to B.C. residents. Download the BetStopper software.

Results from research

Decoding BC Youth and Gambling is a study commissioned by BCLC designed to explore the current attitudes and behaviours of British Columbian youth with regards to gambling. DECODE, a national research firm specializing in the study of youth and young adults, was engaged to conduct the research.

Download Decoding British Columbian Youth and Gambling [955KB] to learn more.

Parents as Partners is a related national research project that explores awareness and attitudes toward youth gambling among parents in B.C. BCLC led the development of this study, commissioned to DECODE and Dr. Jeff Derevensky, director of McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviours.