Conventional casinos still exist in our world. But not everyone can get there, it requires money and certain nuances. But online casinos are accessible to almost everyone. Therefore, very often children become victims of gambling on the Internet and even suffer from gambling addiction.
Why do children play in casinos?
Most children, especially teenagers, think that online casinos are an innocent pastime that carries no threat. Therefore, they follow the links without any fear and start gambling online. Children think that in this way they will become rich quickly, without any effort. And after "earning" the first easy money, they grow up in their own eyes and begin to think that they do not need education or any skills for work.
Teenagers sometimes find it difficult to find a common language with their peers, and in online chats at the casino, they can easily communicate with like-minded people.
In addition, now there are such programs and sites that allow children to play for free. Of course, this will happen in the first stages. And it also happens that at the beginning of the game, participating children win. Thus, it seems to them that they will be able to win more if they play more often and acquire new skills. Of course, this is not the case. And sometimes teenagers generally think that they have a special tendency to gamble and this will gradually develop into addiction.
Very often, online casino developers specifically bet on schoolchildren. For example, gambling in the form of video games. And they develop the program in such a way that the children think that they won because of their special abilities, and not because of a banal accident.
In addition, now casinos or other gambling games are available on any device. You don't need a personal computer for this. A mobile phone and a tablet allow a teenager to play anywhere and at any time. For example, at school, during recess, at home.
Psychologists have researched that 55% of today's children between the ages of 11 and 16 are addicted to gambling.
How to understand that a child is gambling?
Parents cannot always see that a child has become a drug addict. After all, they are busy with work and do not spend enough time with their children. In addition, teenagers are not always ready to listen to their parents, they expect condemnation or quarrels from them. Therefore, sometimes teachers can become reliable assistants who can explain, help, but at the same time do not judge, but act as a bystander who can help, but not judge.
It is usually quite noticeable that a child has started gambling. She:
- Has antisocial behavior. She is not interested in anything except the phone.
- Often skips school.
- Her academic performance is deteriorating.
- A child may start smoking, using alcohol or even drugs.
- A teenager can become silent, withdrawn.
- Increased anxiety, depression, irritability may appear.
- The child may move away from family and friends.
What to do with a child who is addicted to alcohol?
If the child has fallen into the net of the game business, then you don't need to immediately try to "take" him from there. After all, a teenager will most likely resist, get angry and talk about the fact that these games are completely innocent.
Children are often victims of online games. They are vulnerable and gullible, so they play online casinos without realizing all the consequences. Therefore, the best thing is to prevent gambling addiction. It is good to do this together with other parents, teachers, school psychologists. After all, such a problem is incredibly serious and negatively affects the lives of children.
Read more about gambling and gambling addiction in the section "Gambling World“