What is gambling?
Gambling is betting money or valuables to win something of greater value but you do not know if you will win or lose.
Here are some examples:
- Betting with friends
- Playing cards or dice for money
- Sports betting or pools
- Poker
- Casino games online
- Raffle or 50/50 tickets
- Lottery tickets
- Scratch and win cards
- Slot machines
What parents should know about gambling? |
Why is it important to talk about gambling?Children are seeing and hearing about gambling from many places such as:
Children may be gambling as young as 10 years old.
What we knowOf Ottawa High School students (grade 7-12):
In Ontario, 9% of youth grade 9-12 reported gambling online. Youth gambling online experience more harms than youth gambling offline. The lawsThe legal age to gamble in Ontario is 18 years old for lottery and bingo. The legal age to gamble in Ontario at casinos is 19 years old. Some online gambling website follow Ontario laws while others do not have age limits enforced. Internet GamblingA person can now gamble online 24/7 on a smart phone, tablet or desktop computer. Studies show that a person gambling online can develop a problem faster. Sports BettingChanges in provincial legislature in recent years have made sports betting more prevalent and accessible via online platforms. Online sports betting is associated with higher rates of problem gambling. Gambling advertisements are 4 times more appealing for youth aged 11-24. Learn more about Gambling. Talking with Your Youth About Sports Betting. What is the difference between Online Gambling and Gaming?
When does online gaming become gambling?It is gambling if:
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When does gambling become a problem? |
Gambling becomes a problem when a person continues to gambling even with the negative effects in different areas of someone’s life. This includes changes in mood, conflict in relationships and money problems.
Here are some signs for youth and young adults:
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Talking to your child about gambling |
If you are worried about your child’s gambling, the first step is to talk about it. Learn more about Gambling. Talking with Your Youth About Sports Betting. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health recommends:
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Computer tips |
Internet gambling is easy to find and do. Knowing your youth’s internet use is very important. Here are some tips to help you and your youth be safe online:
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Resources |
If someone you know is having a problem with gambling, there is help available. The sooner someone gets help; the sooner things can start to get better!
Gambling treatment service for youth, young adults and their families in Ottawa:
For gambling resources visit our Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources webpage. For more information on community outreach and presentation on youth, gaming and gambling, contact the Youth Gambling Awareness Program. For a complete list of youth services, please visit our Youth Resource Webpage and for general information, visit our Gambling Webpage. |
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