Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline

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Saskatchewan Problem Gambling helpline

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Can Youth Develop a Gambling Problem?

In the same way some youth experiment with drugs and alcohol during adolescents, some youth experiment with different kinds of gambling.   Youth see their parents or relatives gambling for entertainment.  But like other addictions youth are not aware of the risks they may encounter with excessive gambling.  Youth are at risk of addictions at the same rates as adults.

Why do Youth Gamble?

  • Excitement
  • Play for fun
  • To feel included
  • They believe they can make money gambling

 

Where can I get help if I can’t change my own behavior?

  • Talk to your parent
  • Talk to your school counsellor
  • Understanding how gambling works may help change you’re gambling behavior.  Use links for youth to learn more.
  • See a gambling counsellors as they are skilled at providing help to gamblers of any age. 
  • Call, Email, Text, or Chat with Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline.

These changes in behaviors will alert you to a gambling problem:

  • Drop-in academic performance
  • Drop-in attendance
  • Repeatedly coming up with reasons why they need money
  • Change in mood
  • Frequent arguments with parents or siblings
  • Behavior issues at school
  • Lying or stealing at home or in the community
  • Illegal behavior 
  • Change in friends or peer group

Helpful Links: For Youth

Wanna Bet?
A magazine for kids concerned about gambling

Youth Bet
YouthBet.net is an interactive, multimedia website developed by youth, for youth to prevent gambling problems among youth ages 13-24.

Youth and Gambling Facts
This website was developed for youth to provide factual information about gambling and to dispel myths that could lead to problems with gambling.

Teenage Gambling Online
Talks about the risk factors for teens involved in online gambling, advice for parents of teen gamblers, a self-assessment for teens who gamble and some helpful links.

Teen Gambling the Hidden Addiction – National Post April 2, 2015

What can I do to stop gambling?

  • Set limits
  • Don’t bet money you cannot afford to loose
  • Play for fun and not for money
  • Find other activities that you enjoy 
  • Learn more you know about the game and your chances of winning

Helpful Links for Parents of Youth:

International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems
For over 20 years, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University has been at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at identifying and understanding the critical factors related to youth gambling issues.

Youth and Gambling – Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario
The Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health brings treatment professionals and leading researchers together with experts in communicating and sharing knowledge. Their focus is on collaboratively developing, modelling and sharing evidence-based solutions to gambling-related problems, within Ontario and around the world.

Need Furthur Help?

Call the Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline
1-800-306-6789​

Call or see a Gambling Counsellor (Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline will help you find a gambling counsellor near you).

  • Take the Quiz

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  • Free Resource Material

    Free resource material for gamblers and professionals

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  • Gambling Councellors

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  • Self Help Materials

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