Gambling
Problem gambling among young people is a growing concern. Gambling is often viewed as an adult issue, more young people are succumbing to the temptation of gambling. Research suggests that gambling during adolescence can lead to strained relationships, anti-social behaviour, criminal behaviour, depression and even suicide
Facing the consequences
A man whose life was almost ruined by gambling addiction meets two gambling enthusiasts.
Why Gamble?
Many people use gambling as a coping mechanism or an escape from reality, to avoid dealing with personal feelings or problems. They will likely report that winning money is the vehicle, not the reason, for gambling.
Risk factors for a young person include:
• History of gambling in the family
• An early big win
• Low self-esteem, boredom or depression
• Peer pressure
The element of competition or risk may also be relevant. As there are many ways to gamble independently, many problem gamblers gamble without others knowing about it.
Inside the brain of a gambling addict
What happens inside the brain of a gambling addict when they make a bet - and can the secret to their addiction be found within the brain itself? BBC Panorama filmed a unique experiment designed to find out. Wendy Bendel's partner killed himself after struggling with a 20-year gambling addiction. In a confession he wrote for Wendy he singled out the high-stakes, high-frequency fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) found in bookmakers across the UK. These machines offer gamblers a choice of games, and combine potentially high stakes with the chance of a win every 20 seconds.
Underage Gambling in Video Games
Gambling isn’t just something that takes place in Casinos and betting shops, gambling is everywhere and this video takes a deep dive into the manipulative practices of game developers.
Recognising when your gambling is getting out of control
Below is a series of questions to ask yourself if you are thinking of gambling
Do you often find yourself thinking about gambling activities and/or planning the next time you will play?
Do you need to spend more and more money on gambling activities to get the same level of excitement? • Do you become restless, tense, fed up, or bad tempered when trying to cut down or stop gambling?
Do you ever gamble to escape or forget problems?
After losing money on gambling activities, do you ever return another day to try and win your money back?
Have you lied to your family and friends about your gambling?
Have you spent your lunch or transport money on gambling activities?
Have you taken money from someone you live with, without their knowledge, in order to gamble?
Have you stolen money from outside the family or shoplifted in order to gamble?
Have you experienced problems with members of your family or close friends because of your gambling?
Have you missed school or work in order to participate in gambling activities?
Have you ever had to ask for help because of your gambling?
If you find you gambling is becoming a problem for you or you are concerned about a friend or family member don’t wait get some advice.
Further Support
Beacon Counselling Trust
Beacon Counselling Trust provide a free and confidential service to support young people affected by problem gambling or those affected with the wider family unit.
Email – gamcare@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
Call us on 0151 226 0696
The Big Deal
BigDeal is a place for young people to find information and support related to gambling, either for themselves or for someone they care about.
Health Services in Schools Youth Workers
HSIS Youth Workers support young people in Wirral Secondary Schools, Wirral Sixth Form College and Wirral Met College.
Each school/college has a designated HSIS Youth Worker that provides young people with an opportunity to access confidential support on any issues which may be affecting them.
We provide support to young people on a wide range of issues and topics such as: building resilience, reducing risks, healthy relationships, sexual Health (including issuing condoms in some schools) drugs, alcohol, emotional health, Stress and Anxiety.
To find your youth worker visit their page.
KOOTH (Online counselling)
Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
Monday – Friday 12pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 10pm
SHOUT
Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text. It’s the first free 24/7 texting service in the UK for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Shout is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
or
Text BLUE to 85258 to get resources and sign posting information.
Every texter is connected with a real-life human being trained to bring people from a hot moment to a cool calm place through active listening and collaborative problem-solving. All of our Crisis Volunteers donate their time to helping people in crisis.