Gambling among teens: preventing and supporting
Gambling means betting money or something of value on an uncertain outcome. Even though the legal age is usually 18 or 19 depending on the province and the type of game, many young people are exposed to it early on: within the family (scratch tickets as gifts, card games), with friends (bets, poker), and online.
To remember
👉 Teens are often exposed to gambling early (family, friends, online), and adolescence can make it especially appealing but also risky.
👉 La prévention et le soutien passent par: repérer les signaux d’alarme, en parler calmement, encadrer l’accès et aller chercher de l’aide si nécessaire.
Why gambling is risky during adolescence
During adolescence, sensation-seeking, impulsivity, risk-taking, and the need to belong can make gambling more appealing. In addition, online gambling is accessible, fast, anonymous… and therefore harder to supervise.
Another issue: the line between gaming and gambling is sometimes blurry, and your teen’s favourite video games may include gambling-like features (for example: loot boxes/mystery boxes, virtual items that have value and rely on chance).
Warning signs to watch for
Here are a few indicators that can help you spot a potential problem. Your teen:
spends more money and/or plays longer than planned;
has trouble stopping or is preoccupied with gambling;
“chases losses” (tries to win it back);
shows changes in sleep, fatigue, anxiety, mood, or concentration;
experiences a drop in school performance, conflicts, or social withdrawal;
has money problems (borrowing, missing objects, sudden spending).
To prevent risks and addiction, nothing works better than prevention. Talk about it early, in a simple way (without dramatizing, but without minimizing it either).
Remind them of key facts: you can’t control the outcome, and the myth of “winning it back” is a trap.
Set an example: your habits and your messages should match.
Set boundaries around access: allowance, online purchases, payment methods, parental settings/controls, and checking apps.
Replace online gambling with other options: sports, projects, social activities, and non-money challenges.
If you think your teen is already caught up in it
Here are a few tips to support them as best as possible:
Approach them calmly: “I’m not here to judge you—I want to understand and help.”
Be firm that their behaviour needs to change, but without humiliation.
Offer concrete solutions: reduce access to money, block certain apps/sites, set a limit plan, and follow up regularly.
Seek support: a health professional, a psychosocial worker, or addiction resources:
