Parents: Indicators of a Possible Teen Gambling Problem
Unexplained need for money
Missing money or valuables from your home
Weekly or daily card game in youngster's room
Truancy from school
Unusual time spent watching sports on TV
An unusual interest in newspapers, magazines, and periodicals having to do with sports or horse racing
Large amounts of money in his/her possession
Boasting about winnings
Intense interest in gambling conversations
Unaccountable explanation for new items of value in their possession (e.g., jewelry, clothes)
Several calls to sports phone on telephone bill
Change of personality (e.g., irritability, impatience, criticism or sarcasm)
Unaccountable time away from home
Playing gambling type games on the Internet
Sports gambling tickets and/or lottery tickets in their possession
If you suspect your teen has a gambling problem, contact the student assistance counselor or guidance department at the school. (Source: Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey: www.800gambler.org)