In recent years teens have started gambling at younger and younger ages. This is causing a spike in the number of teens with gambling problems, according to the head of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling.
In the USA you need to be 18 with proof of ID to get into a casino, but teens have found ways to get accounts at online casinos. It has also become common for teens to have a weekly high stakes poker game, with the pots getting as large as 2000 dollars for 1 hand.
The Wisconsin Council on Problem gambling has put out this list of things to look for if you suspect your teen may have a gambling problem.
- One sign of addiction is to isolate your self from your friends and family.
- If the teen was into after school sports or a club and they suddenly for no reason decide to quit.
- Cryptic sounding phone calls at all hours of the day and night.
- Addicts will often be found stealing and lying from friends and family.
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- Frequent absences from school or part time after school job.
If your teenager of someone you know shows 2 or more of these signs then they may have a problem with addiction and you should seek
Help from trained professionals in your area.
