1. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 1 Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-1111 For residents of British Columbia Toll-free – 24 hours a day British Columbia Responsible Gambling Strategy Gambling information and resources for residents of BC Betting on Your Childs Future: Parents are Partners in Gambling Prevention By Carolyn Pickett, B.S.W. Photos are for illustrative purposes

2. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 2 of parents report they rarely or never discuss gambling related issues with their teen. Parents who believe their teen has gambled for money Actual BC Underage Youth participation in gambling(2007) We are Glad You are Here because… 43% 13% 56%

3. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 3 By the end of the session, you will be able to: describe the forms of gambling that youth are engaged in and who youth gamble with; recognize risk factors that contribute to youth developing a gambling problem and your role as partners in prevention; name three signs of problem gambling in youth as well as understand the cautions around drawing conclusions; and list two pointers on how to talk with kids about gambling. Objectives for Today

4. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 4 Im hosting a Texas HoldEm tournament this weekend at my house. There is no cost to you. Ill provide all the chips and the winner will get a free poker set, just for fun. It costs $5 to get into the local community fair. Your ticket gives you entry into the fair and a chance to win a flat screen t.v. Ill bet you my iPod that I can beat you to school on my bike. Im collecting money for my soccer team. You can buy one ticket for $2 and 3 tickets for $5. There are three prizes to be given away. Im inviting friends over to watch the UFC championships. Everyone bets $5 and chooses a winner, winner takes all. Which of these is Gambling?

5. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 5 Any experience involving the wagering, betting or risking of money or valuables (jewellery, electronics, clothing, etc.) on an activity of chance, where money or other valuables may be won or lost (unpredictable outcome). Gambling is…

6. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 6 Candy Poker ChipsReal Poker Chips Children are exposed to Gambling now more than ever

7. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 7 Who Do These Games Appeal To?

8. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 8

9. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 9 of all students in the province have gambled by the age of 18 The average age of onset of gambling of youth aged 15 – 18 have participated in at least one gambling activity in the last 2 months The percentage of youth that have gamble online for money but began playing online for free Statistics 56% 13% 43% 13.4

10. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 10 …think that practice can improve their chances of winning, and they can win at gambling if they know what they are doing. Youth in BC…

11. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 11 Where are youth gambling? Home, friends house, school Who are they gambling with? Friends, family, relatives and siblings What kinds of games are they playing? Cards (poker), lottery, sports betting and internet* *the most time and money is reportedly spent on online gambling Profile of a Youth Gambler

12. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 12 Development: stage of risk- taking & experimentation Brain maturation is not complete until about age 24! Youth now exposed to varied forms of gambling: new rite of passage Youth are gambling more often than they are using alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, but awareness about the risks is not as high Risk Factors

13. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 13 of youth report that their parents are buying lottery or instant win tickets for them to play Youth who report that their parents have gambled in the past year show a significantly higher participation in various gambling activities than youth who report that their parents have not gambled in the past 12 months. The Good News… Parents are the number one resource that youth say they would turn to if they ever experienced any problems as a result of gambling. The Role of Parents 67%

14. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 14 Come from all social backgrounds and are both male and female Are often competitive, perfectionist, bright and extroverted Started gambling at home in their pre-teens (average age is 10) Began gambling socially by playing cards, betting on sports pools, or playing lottery tickets Are unaware when a social activity becomes a problem Developmentally are at a stage of risk-taking and experimentation Are at increased risk for depression, low self-esteem, suicide ideation and attempts Sources: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca; Gupta and Derevensky, DECODEwww.bcresponsiblegambling.ca Youth with Gambling Problems

15. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 15 Possess gambling materials – dice, playing cards, etc. Spend time on internet gambling sites Experience unusual mood swings (can be related to gambling wins/losses) Exaggerated emotional responses to sports scores Say that gambling is an easy way to make money Use money meant for necessities (lunch, bus fare, etc.) to gamble Lie to family and friends about gambling Adapted from www.notagame.org Signs of Youth Problem Gambling

16. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 16 Have unexplained absences from school Experience a sudden drop in grades Unexplained large amount of money in their possession or bragging about gambling wins Show an unusual interest in newspaper, magazines or other sports print media Committed an illegal act to obtain money for gambling – including theft from family members Intense interest in conversations that revolve around gambling. Adapted from www.notagame.org Signs of Problem Gambling, contd.

17. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 17 Find the right time to have a conversation Ask questions and listen for their attitudes about gambling Be specific and concrete when you talk about gambling Be clear about your own values toward gambling Be careful about the language that you choose to use Dont tell them, show them. Lead by example! Tips for Talking To Your Child

18. Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 18 Free Counselling: Individual, couples, family, day treatment, and group counselling available. All services are free and confidential. Multilingual services available. Education: Presentations, workshops, information and training for all age groups. Problem Gambling Help Line: 1-888-795-6111 (free anywhere in BC). Currently available in 13 languages. Available 24 hours/ day, 7 days per week. Website: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca BC RGS Resources and Services