Our behavior impacts the way children and youth see themselves and this world. What kind of message do you want to send?
Gambling addiction affects individuals and their relationships, making it crucial for everyone—family members, friends, educators, and community members—to recognize their role in addressing this issue. Family members often provide emotional support and can help identify problematic behaviors early, while friends may influence social gambling habits.
Educators can raise awareness and promote responsible gambling practices among students, fostering a culture of understanding and prevention. Community members can advocate for resources and support systems, such as counseling services and educational programs, to assist those struggling with addiction. By acknowledging our collective responsibility, we can create a supportive environment that encourages recovery and reduces the stigma surrounding gambling addiction among our youth.
Just the Facts
Children and youth are beginning to gamble on average at 9 to 11 years old.
Early exposure to highly addictive chemicals or risky behaviors increases the risk of developing addiction.
2% to 4% of youth will develop a gambling problem compared to 1% to 3% of adults.
Children and youth are more technologically savvy and are able to find ways to gamble that adults might not even consider available to them.

A Very Sad Grandmother
A grandmother who enjoys gambling took her granddaughter gambling for her 21st birthday because she wanted to teach her something that she enjoys. She thought, “What better way is there to enjoy my granddaughter and to have fun with her.” She gave her $50.00 to gamble with and she even had a good experience, she won on her first trip. Six months later the grandmother called the crisis line through tears she said, “My granddaughter has a gambling problem and I think I may have caused it! She now has $6,000 of debt from gambling, that she can’t afford.”

Who is Responsible?
A father goes on a cruise ship vacation with his 16-year-old son, and in the casino on board, teaches his son how to play Texas hold ’em. They enjoy their time together. When they get home, the son decides to try his hand at free online poker, where he wins and builds his gambling confidence. He then tries out games with peers and eventually adults. His grades start to decline, he is now more interested in spending time perfecting his game than attending school. He ends up losing so much money that he is so afraid of the consequences, he takes money from his parents’ wallet and purse to pay the debt, gets caught, and loses his family’s trust.
Neither of these family members intended any harm by exposing these young people to gambling. Do you want to live with knowing you may have helped bring on such problems?
You can help prevent gambling problems in children and youth.

Get professional help if necessary, the above may not have been provided for you when you were growing up, for that reason it may not come naturally for you. There is help available to teach you these skills so you can be there for the children and youth in your life to prevent gambling and other addictions from taking away our future.



Peace and Power Counseling Youth Gambling Treatment Program
- Has the youth in your life spent more and more money gambling?
- Has the youth in your life ever lied to anyone about gambling or concealed gambling?
- Has the youth in your life gambled even to the detriment of relationships or school work?
- Has the youth in your life used gambling as a way to deal with problems or to change his or her mood?
- Has the youth in your life ever borrowed money in order to gamble?
If you answered yes to even one of the above questions you are entitled to receive a no charge gambling evaluation. Ongoing gambling treatment is also offered at no charge.
Individual counseling is available for gamblers and their family members.
If a gambler is receiving counseling at Peace and Power Counseling then a family member or friend can receive services at no charge too.
We can guide and support you in your recovery from your or a loved one’s gambling addiction.