WHAT ARE THE ODDS ONE OF YOUR STUDENTS IS GAMBLING?
Free problem gambling help line
1-888-BETSOFF
Problem gambling is not restricted to adults. Some underage teenagers are finding ways to gamble, and some are even developing gambling problems.
The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling is dedicated to increasing awareness about underage gambling among educators, parents and teenagers.
UNDERAGE GAMBLING FACTS:
- Most teens are introduced to gambling by a parent or adult close to them.
- Teens may gamble in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, card games, sports betting and Internet gambling.
- It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to participate in any form of gambling in Missouri.
- All forms of gambling carry some risk of developing problems for some people.
- Gambling may affect teens from all types of families, socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnic groups.
- Problem gambling is easy to hide.
- Teens may gamble to feel important, raise self-esteem or to escape problems.
- Free treatment is available to teens and their families.
SOME WARNING SIGNS OF UNDERAGE GAMBLING PROBLEMS:
- Carries or possesses gambling materials such as dice, playing cards or other gambling materials.
- Says gambling is one of the best ways to make easy money.
- Borrows money from family/friends to pay gambling debts.
- Takes desperate measures to get more money for gambling, such as stealing from family.
- Gambles with money that is supposed to be used for something else such as lunch, bus fare, etc.
- Skips classes or neglects homework.
- Neglects family/friends.
- Frequent mood swings: usually higher when winning and lower when losing.
- Lies to people about gambling.
- Displays large amounts of cash and other material possessions.
- Gambles to escape worries, frustrations or disappointments.
CHILDREN SUFFER WHEN A PARENT HAS A GAMBLING PROBLEM
If you believe one of your students or a parent has a gambling problem,
free help is available for the problem gambler and his/her family.
Call 1-888-BETSOFF for help.