The Parents Place of Maryland helps the family members and loved ones of a problem gambler. Whether or not your loved one has chosen to stop or reduce their gambling, The Parents Place of Maryland provides family peer support which will help you through this often difficult experience.
“Click this link” to fill out a brief form (or call: 410-768-9100) to be contacted by a family peer support counselor. (You will be taken to The Parents Place of Maryland website. Please come back to this site if you would like more information.
If you are or begin to feel overwhelmed or hopeless, please consider calling the Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline:
Is Gambling a Problem for Youth?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, 10–15% of young people asked have significant gambling problems; 6% of the teens who have tried gambling have experienced gambling problems. Today, young people are surrounded by opportunities to gamble, often involved in sports pools, internet gambling, card games or dice. Often young people may not know that they have a gambling problem. Special materials developed for young people can be helpful for teachers, counselors and parents. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling can make recommendations for resources as well as counseling.
In most Western societies, gambling is perceived as a harmless or low-risk social activity for participants of all ages. It is not unusual to see parents offering lottery tickets, especially scratch cards, to their children, even if this activity is meant for adults only. We know from research that many problem gamblers were introduced to gambling activities by family members as early as 10 years of age.
Parents should talk with teens about gambling
Explain what it is and the risk involved. They should alert them to the potential problems and make sure teens do not use gambling as a financial strategy. By being familiar with signs and symptoms of pathological gambling, parents and teachers can be on the look out for teens are developing gambling problems.
- Inform yourself about the risks associated with gambling activities.
- Limit your own gambling participation, as you are an important role model for your child.
- Explain why the risk of gambling is greater for teens than for adults.
- Explain to your child the difference between responsible gambling and excessive and risky gambling.
- Clearly state your position on gambling participation by teenagers.
- Discuss rules and expectations and follow through with consequences.
- Do not offer any lottery products to your children or teenagers as gifts or rewards.
- Notice any unusual changes in your child's behavior.
- Be aware of their Internet use.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Educate Yourself on the Risks of Gambling, Safe Gambling Tips, and Resources for Help