GamblingNews
New York psychologist warns of gambling addiction in patients as young as 11
Dr. Michael Adler of Rockland Addictions says minors are bypassing age limits via parents' devices and payment methods. He urges parents to talk openly with children about gambling risks.
A clinical psychologist in New York state has warned that more children and young adults are struggling with gambling addiction, with some of his patients as young as 11. Dr. Michael Adler, who runs Rockland Addictions in New City, Rockland County, said the trend adds to concerns about minors' access to online betting.
According to Adler, who specializes in gambling addiction, substance abuse and emotional disorders, young people are getting around age restrictions by using smartphones and tablets linked to their parents' payment methods. Age checks intended to keep minors away from gambling can be undermined when children have access to adults' devices and accounts.
Adler noted that treating younger patients is particularly difficult. Children have limited impulse control and a weaker grasp of the real financial consequences of their actions. Some may also assume that their parents will step in and cover gambling debts, which lowers their perception of risk.
He encouraged parents to speak openly with their children about gambling, pointing out that betting-related messages are increasingly hard to avoid, including during televised sports broadcasts. He also identified fantasy football betting leagues as a possible catalyst for more problematic gambling behavior. The warning comes as online sports betting and related content have become more visible to younger audiences.
The psychologist listed several signs of a possible gambling problem. These include constantly thinking about betting, spending increasingly large sums, and needing to wager more to feel the same excitement. Other indicators are irritability when trying to stop, repeated failure to cut back, lying about gambling activity or debt, and financial, relationship or legal difficulties resulting from betting.
Adler's comments underline the importance of early family conversations about gambling risks, particularly as betting promotions and sports-related gambling content reach wide audiences. In the United States, people seeking help with gambling problems can call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the website of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Based on reporting by GamblingNews.