Gambling and Teens: What You Need to Know

Gambling is not risk-free. Gambling can become a problem when it consumes a person’s life. Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about teen gambling, including how to identify a problem.

Parents as Role Models

You are the best role model for your children. Take a close look at your own attitudes and habits. Do you spend needed money on lottery tickets? Do you make frequent visits to the casino with hopes of striking it rich? Although gambling may be OK for you, you may be sending a message to your teen that gambling is a safe and healthy activity.
Talk with your teen about gambling. Remind them that gambling is illegal for teens. Be clear about how you feel about gambling, and let them know what you expect of them. Help your teen develop ways to resist gambling and develop interests in other activities.
Don’t take your children with you to the casino even if child care is offered.

Signs of a Gambling Problem

Identifying a gambling problem early is the key to successful treatment. If you feel your teen may have a problem, there are people in your community who can help, including pediatricians, counselors, teachers, and leaders in your place of worship. Here are signs to look out for around the house and in your teen.

Finding gambling items like lottery tickets, betting sheets, and casino chips
Unexplained debts
Excessive TV sports watching and an overly intensive interest in the outcome of sports events
Excessive “checking in” or internet use
Buying expensive items
Absences from school or work
Anxiety and nervousness
Stealing

Compulsive gambling is like other addictions. Outside help may be the only way a person can stop. Talk with your teen’s doctor for information about treatment options, like individual counseling or family therapy.

For More Information

American Academy of Pediatrics: www.aap.org and www.HealthyChildren.org
Gam-Anon International Service Office, Inc: www.gam-anon.org
Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
North American Training Institute: www.nati.org

Disclaimer

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Any websites, brand names, products, or manufacturers are mentioned for informational and identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

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Measles update

February 12, 2026

There have been cases of measles in NC, with exposures in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Wake County. We can give the MMR dose early to families who want it. This applies to infants 6-12 months who have not gotten a dose yet or kids under 4-5 years who have not gotten their second MMR dose. At this time, the NC DHHS and health departments are not recommending this unless traveling or living in an area with sustained transmission. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective (97%) at preventing measles infections. At CHCAC, children receive their first dose at 12 months of age and a second dose at 4 years of age, ensuring they are fully protected as soon as possible, in accordance with the most up-to-date AAP recommendations. Some infants aged 6 months to 11 months who travel internationally or in high-prevalence areas may need a dose to protect them; however, they still require the 1-year and 4-year-old doses as well. If you are ever concerned about a possible exposure to measles, please CALL before entering our office. DO NOT ENTER the office. NC DHHS keeps a list of areas with measles exposures here . This is a highly contagious illness, and special precautions must be taken to prevent spread. The virus can be present in the air for 2 hours after an infected person is in the room, and 90% of susceptible patients can be infected. As always, if you have questions, we are here to help make sense of it all!

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