A human’s brain is set up for a risk-reward cycle. That is, we take a risk and hope for a reward. It’s something that’s hardwired into our brains and is what makes us try new things. Gambling falls squarely into that risk-reward category with the added appeal of doing little to gain much. Putting down a dollar bet to earn five dollars is an easy accomplishment, one that seems relatively risk free.

There is nothing wrong with gambling every once in a while, as long as it’s seen as a form of entertainment and not a way to make a living. Those who make a living playing games like poker are those who study the game and practice long hours before placing a bet. For the rest of us, taking $100 or so with the knowledge that it may all be lost is the healthiest way to play the game.

Trouble starts when the line between pleasure and obsesssion gets blurred. Pay attention to these warning signs that indicate that it’s no longer just a game:

• Robbing Peter to pay Paul. It doesn’t have to be quite as stark as this. What may be happening is that money is being taken from other bills in order to go gambling with. Plenty of excuses are made and many a promise is broken when catching up on the debts.
• Time spent at the casino takes a priority to other activities. It doesn’t matter even when the activity in question is sitting at home watching TV. There is no excuse that it’s “socializing.” Leaving the home to go to the casino when leaving the house wasn’t a priority means that addiction is creeping up.
• Justifications are being made. Specifics don’t matter, just that they’re starting up. Making them indicates that any excuse will do to gamble.

With the gradual increase in addiction to gambling, youngsters are catching on the disease at even earlier ages. Among teenagers, this problem is becoming more serious than can be imagined. Its gradual, though deepening, effect of deterioration can lead to the problem becoming multifold in adulthood. It is, therefore, imperative for parents to understand the issue and learn about how to deal with it.
Gambling: Teenagers are at Greater Risk
Teenage is the period of life when one is most susceptible to feeling superior and in control. It is also the time when a gambler feels earning easy money is something that gives them more power. All these factors make it very easy for teenagers to fall into the trap of gambling. Being more aware of their surroundings, largely due to easy access to technology and gadgets, they are also more prone to being lured into the game.
Teenagers, in all likelihood, get initiated into gambling with the thought of entertainment or trying something new. However, it does not take very long to become an addict. In fact, it is easier to become addicted at that age than in adulthood.
Detecting Gambling Addiction in Teenagers
Teenagers are prone to have fallen prey to the evil of gambling if they have been missing school or getting poor grades. This could also be if they are found with unnecessarily large sums of money or other possessions. If they spend too much time on the computer and hide the sites they visit, you must beware. Also watch out for habits of cheating, lying and stealing in school. If the teen has been missing sleep, avoiding friends and family, addiction can be suspected.
Dealing with the Problem
An unfortunately large number of parents discover their teenager’s gambling addiction when it is too late. Parents need to be more vigilant and seek professional help as soon as the problem is detected.