Underage gambling is a huge issue and has both financial and mental health impacts on young people. It is a universal issue and one we must consider carefully.
Of course therapy is available and problem solving strategies are proven to be effective but, as with all addiction issues, prevention is easier and more effective than cure.
Gambling is, after all, highly addictive and once started can be hard to stop.
Mashudu Netshivhungululu, the psychology specialist part of KingCasinoBonus, cites the common conclusions of UK-based or internationally-based organisations in his presentation. The reported underage gambling effects can include a bad relationship with authority figures, and peers, disturbances in the daily routine, and sometimes even bankruptcy. Prevention, in these cases, turns out to be more efficient than therapy and problem-solving post-factum.
Is this a BIG issues?
Well it is certainly a big issue to the young people and families impacted by it and the statistics are evident that is a problem that needs addressing. Almost 1% of young people who are considered to be be ‘problem gamblers. Whilst this may not sounds a huge amount it roughly translate to 30,000 impacted families in the UK each year. (The Gambling Commission, 2022).
Under age gambling problems have an evidence based linked to pathological gambling issues in adult life (see the research on this here) and the secrecy, debt and associated mental health issues that gamblers often struggle with.
Yes, it is a BIG issue.
Why does underage gambling start?
Young people have lower stores of dopamine in their teens. Dopamine is the happy buzz making chemical in their brain. As a result of depleted dopamine they have to chase a bigger high to feel that buzz and this leads them to partake in more risk taking behaviours. Gambling has a sense of thrill, hope, risk and danger that is super attractive to the teenage brain.
Gambling may be banned to minors across the world ( n the UK the underage limit is 18) but every single time a young person pops on social media or indeed into their local newsagents gambling and the opportunity to win big is presented to them. From scratch cards to postcode lotteries, win a house competitions and football betting, e-sports and the rising popularity of ‘poker nights with the lads’ images of gambling been ‘cool’ and a change to change their life for the better are enticingly present in young peoples lives.
The mental health issues linked to underage gambling
Adolescents who gamble are more likely to experience anxiety, low-self esteem and depression.
Worried their secret will be found out and worried about the money they are losing the and that they are breaking the law their emerging identity is affected and they may perceive themselves as bad, and addict irresponsible or a loser. The financial stress and secrecy that often accompany gambling can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness which of cause impound low self worth and a poor self image.
Too much worry can lead to anxiety.
Also where addiction goes anxiety has been known to follow, how are you going to get your next ‘fix’ becomes the prevailing thought in an addicts or problem gamblers mind. Consequently they are constantly nervous, anticipating and on edge. This is undoubtedly stressful for them.
The depression that comes from a cycle of letting yourself down, losing, hiding your true self and way of life from others can also hit hard especially in the more sensitive teen years.
And. because underage gambling is done in secret it can be extremely hard for a young person to reach out and admit they are struggling and explain why. Keeping their gambling a secret can lead to social isolation and loneliness which has it’s own detrimental impact on a person’s mental health.
Sadly gambling addiction has also been linked to higher rates of suicidal ideation, especially among young people who feel trapped by their gambling habits. (source)
We do need to provide support and intervention.
The legal risks of underage gambling
It is mostly illegal for young people to gamble under age 18 here in the UK and under 21 at online casinos. The casino can be fined or the young person prosecuted if these rules are broken. Acriminal record is not something a young person wants or needs as they step into their adult life.
Underage gambling – resources that help
As a parent or carer it is easy to feel guilty about your child having a gambling issue and you may also also feel solely responsible for assisting your child’s recover, but do not panic. You are not alone and there is a great deal of excellent help available.
There are services and support lines to help young people and their care givers.
I urge you to take a look at the following if you want to support the young person in your life as they work their way through their issues. There are various options whether the young person wants to access support directly or whether you just want some direction in helping them.
Useful contacts and resources
Gamcare – Young Peoples support service (options to refer, email or call or work through a self guided toolkit of recovery)
National Gambling Helpline – 24 hours a day on Freephone 0808 8020 133
Gamble aware – advice for teachers parents and youth workers
The National Problem Gambling Clinic is a specialist NHS clinic for problem gamblers.
Over to you – Mental Health & Legal Risks Associated With Underage Gambling
Let us know what you think in the comments especially if you have concerns regarding young people and gambling or if your life a has been affected by any of these issues.
