This Holiday Season, Think Before You Gift and #GiftResponsibly
Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation, or even exposure to gambling in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery product or sports betting access given by an adult who is likely unaware of the associated risks.
Gambling Products Are Not for Kids.
Children’s and teens’ brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the risks of gambling. Giving gambling products as gifts, including scratch-offs or sports betting gift cards, can put their future well-being at risk.
Gifting responsibly during the holidays means not giving scratch-offs (18+) or Sportsbook gift cards (21+) to kids.
Youth problem gambling is a growing public health concern.
Many young people report their first gambling experience occurs around 9-11 years of age.
- Approximately 60 percent of high-school-aged adolescents report having gambled for money during the past year.
- Ten to 14 percent of adolescents are at-risk for developing a problem with gambling.
- While male adolescents gamble more frequently than females, female adolescents are more actively involved in lottery play.
- Four to six percent of adolescents presently have a serious problem with gambling. Putting it into perspective, the adult gambling disorder prevalence rate in Illinois is 3.8% of the population.
Gambling Taking Away From the Holiday Cheer?
If you or someone you know is gambling and it is taking away from the holiday cheer, Are you really winning? We are here to help. With in-person therapy groups, telehealth options, and prevention education available at over 30 behavioral healthcare agencies across the state of Illinois, recovery is possible when you ask for help.
To assess your risk of a gambling issue, take the screener here.
For 24/7 help, call 1.800.GAMBLER or for help in English text “GAMB” to 833234.
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Did you know that kids who are exposed to gambling early are four times more likely to develop a gambling problem? (ncpgambling.org)
Scratch-offs are not for kids. Think before you gift and #GiftResponsibly this holiday season.
Gambling taking away from the holiday cheer? Illinois help is available. Call 1.800.GAMBLER, text “GAMB” to 833234, or visit AreYouReallyWinning.com.
Did you know that sports betting is a form of gambling?
Sportsbook gift cards or betting credits involve real risk and should only be gifted to those 21+.
Think before you gift this holiday season.
If you or someone you know are experiencing the signs of a gambling problem, help is available. You are not alone. Call 1.800.GAMBLER or visit AreYouReallyWinning.com.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, “children and teens are at a higher risk than adults for developing a gambling problem.”
Children and teen brains aren’t fully developed until they are adults which means if you gift them gambling products such as scratch-offs or sports betting gift cards, you could be putting their future at risk.
Gambling always involves risk. This holiday season, think before you gift.
If you or someone you know can’t stop buying scratch-offs or betting nonstop, are you really winning? Help is available. You are not alone. Call 1.800.GAMBLER or visit AreYouReallyWinning.com.