How to Talk to Your Young Person About Gambling
Essential conversation starters, key educational messages, and guidance on addressing risks, myths, and digital gambling environments with youth.
Why Having the Conversation Matters
It's so important for parents and guardians to talk about gambling with their young ones, and to educate them about the potential risks involved.
When you start the conversation with your children consider where their interests lie, for example are they more into sports or gaming?
Suggested Conversation Openers:
Key Gambling Messages & Dispelling Myths
Once you have started the conversation you can talk to them about core concepts, brain development, odds, and online influences.
Legal Age & Youth Risk
Talk about the legal age for gambling and why it's harmful for youth. Teens are at higher risk because early exposure via casino-style social games, dares, or poker makes them less likely to see gambling as a problem.
Brain Development
Explain how gambling affects the brain: the pre-frontal cortex isn't fully grown until age 25, making risk assessment harder for young people.
Not Easy Money
Tell them gambling is not an easy way to make money. Discuss the house advantage and the reality of the gambling industry: it exists to make a profit.
Rules of Probability
Explain that the odds of winning do not change no matter how long you play or how much you've lost. Advise setting limits in advance and caution against chasing losses.
Sports Betting Myths
Let them know knowing a sport well does not improve your winning chances. Chance always comes into play and influences outcomes.
Free Online Casino Games
Warn them that free casino games allow more wins than real life. Agree on time and spending limits to avoid compulsive behaviours.
E-Sports & Loot Boxes
Talk about betting on e-sports (professional gaming competitions) and spending on virtual items like loot boxes in games, and their links to gambling.
Online Advertising Tactics
Be cautious about online ads. Explain how betting companies use free bets and special offers in emails or social media to entice people to spend real money.
Addictive Potential
Explain that gambling has the same brain effect as substance addiction. It causes a similar "rush", increases tolerance, and decreases impulse control over time.
More Ways to Support & Guide Youth
Share Recovery Stories
Highlight cautionary stories from people in recovery across all age groups. View recovery stories here.
Look Out for Friends
Encourage youth to look out for their peers and talk openly about the risks of gambling with each other.
Recognize Escapism
Acknowledge that gambling can be a form of escape for those feeling lonely or isolated, and ensure they know who to approach for help.
Parents, Guardians & Youth Can Find Help
Support is available 24/7 through the PEI Gambling Support Line at 1-855-255-4255. Island-based counsellors are happy to help.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Professional counsellors are available 24/7 to talk confidentially whenever you need support.
- PEI Gambling Support Line: 1-855-255-4255
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868