Tips for parents of players

1. Know the facts about gambling

Online casino availability: Mobile apps and sites are open 24/7.
Age restrictions: officially participation under 18 is prohibited, but access is easy to get through someone else's account.
The nature of addiction: up to 5% of youth are prone to problem behavior with passion.

2. Signs of possible problem play in a child

1. Secrecy and evasive answers
- Hides the phone or computer screen, deletes browser history.
2. Unexplained spending and debt
- Money "disappears" from pocket spending; the child asks to borrow funds.
3. Mood swings
- Joy and excitement after a "successful bet," irritation or depression at failure.
4. Social isolation
- Not meeting friends, less time for hobbies and sports.

3. Organize an open dialogue

1. Choose the right moment
- A calm environment without extraneous stimuli.
2. Start with care, not blame
- "I'm worried you're spending too much time in the game."
3. Listen without judgment
- Let the child speak about the reasons for passion and feelings.
4. Work out the rules together
- Limitation of time and amounts of "pocket" expenses; setting "no game" during study and after lights out.

4. Set up technical and family barriers

Parental controls
- Block gambling sites and apps on all devices.
Shared passwords and sharing
- Discuss the condition: access to game accounts only with parents.
Family rules
- Time without gadgets (family dinner, walks), study priority and hobbies.

5. Supporting alternative hobbies

1. Family activities
- Sports, hiking, board games, creative workshops.
2. Encouraging success on the sidelines
- Praise for achievements in study, sports, circles.
3. Planning shared leisure activities
- Weekly family outings or events without gadgets and gambling incentives.

6. Talking about money and risk

A simple financial lesson
- Explain that each bet is a payment for emotions, not a way to earn money.
Introduction of "wallet with goals"
- Instead of gambling, save pocket money for a big purchase or trip.
Transparency of transactions
- Check what your child is spending money on and help keep a simple account.

7. When you need professional help

1. Obvious signs of addiction
- The constant need to play, even to the detriment of sleep, study and relationships.
2. Financial crisis
- Classes with friends and relatives, debts, the threat of collection on loans.
3. Contacting specialists
- Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 is a free hotline.
- Local psychologists and Gamblers Anonymous groups for teenagers.

Conclusion

The role of parents is not a controller or punisher, but support and mentor. Early feature recognition, open dialogue, joint rule-building and alternative suggestions are important. When anxiety symptoms increase, do not delay contacting professionals: timely help saves the relationship, health and future of the child.