What is online gambling?
Online gambling includes games you play online that allow you to make bets and win or lose money or things of value. It also includes online games that let you bet with virtual coins or tokens for betting.
Examples of online gambling include:
- sports betting or sports lotteries
- online casino games like poker or blackjack (This includes free play or practice games with or without money.)
- games that allow you to earn, lose, or bet points, loot boxes, or other online prizes
You can gamble online with a digital device, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or game consoles (like an Xbox or PlayStation).
In Alberta, most forms of online gambling are legal if you’re over 18. If you’re under 18, it’s not allowed. In Canada, the average legal age for online gambling is 19. All gambling laws are set by governments in the provinces and
territories.
Before you play, check the laws, ratings, and restrictions.
Online gambling is a form of entertainment that should be supervised. Game developers sometimes put in-app purchases, loot boxes, and other gambling features in games. Playing games with these features may not be legal if you’re under
the legal age for gambling.
For most online gambling sites, you’ll need to sign up to use them. Since they’re online, the payments and payouts are also made online.
If you’re gambling online, it’s important to gamble responsibly. Responsible gambling includes:
- having conversations with your parents and other adults about gambling
- knowing how it works
- knowing the different types of gambling
- knowing what the risks are
- setting limits for yourself
You can find more information about responsible gambling at GameSense.
How common is online gambling?
Studies show that many youth are involved in gambling.
- More than 1 in 5 grade 7 students gamble.
- 2 in 5 grade 12 students gamble.
Men tend to gamble more often than women. They’re also at higher risk for gambling that becomes a problem.
Online gambling becomes a problem when it harms your mental or physical health, or has unwanted effects on your life.
Why is gambling a concern?
Youth between 12 and 17 are more likely to face gambling problems because:
- The brain is still developing.
- Decisions are made more quickly, sometimes without thinking.
- Mood changes are common.
- You’re starting to become more independent from parents or guardians.
Starting young increases the risk of gambling problems later. People under 25 are more likely to struggle with gambling.
How can I tell if I have a problem with online gambling?
You may want to talk to your parents or someone you trust about your gambling if you:
- often spend more money than you plan
- often spend more time gambling than you plan
- gamble or play online games instead of doing your homework or chores, spending time with your family or pet, or doing other things you need to
- can’t stop thinking about gambling or the game
- have trouble cutting down or stopping gambling
What should I do if I think I might have a problem?
If you think you’re playing too often or gambling too much:
- Set limits on the amount of time you spend playing a game.
- Set limits on the amount of money you spend. Don’t spend more than your limit.
- Spend time doing other things you like, such as hobbies, sports or physical activity, or being with friends and family.
- Set a time to do homework and household chores.
If you find these aren’t working or that it’s hard to set limits, talk to someone you trust. This can be your parent, teacher, coach, counsellor, or family doctor.
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You might be thinking:
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Remember that:
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“It’s just a game! I’m not betting real money.”
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Placing bets and gambling can be fun, but gambling can lead to more problems as you get older. Gambling can affect other areas of your life, like relationships with family and friends. It can also prevent you from getting
other things done, doing your homework, sleeping, or doing other things you like to do.
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“All my friends play, and I don’t want to be left out!”
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Gambling can be a social activity, but pay attention to the warning signs. If you spend more time and money than you planned, miss out on things, and have trouble cutting down, you might want to think about other ways to
connect with your friends.
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“My parents buy lottery tickets and bet on sports. What’s the difference?”
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Yes, sometimes people buy lottery tickets or place bets. It can be fun, as long as it doesn’t cause problems. If it stops you from buying the things you need, not spending time with family or friends, or becomes something
you think about too often, then it’s a problem. Because of how our brains develop, people under 25 are more likely to take risks and have trouble stopping once they start. That’s why gambling can be more harmful for youth
than it is for adults. Learning to set limits is healthy.
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“I don’t think I have a problem!”
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Maybe you don’t have a problem. But when you spend more time and money than you planned, miss out on things, or have trouble cutting down, these are warning signs. Learning how to set healthy limits now is important and can
help in the future.
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For help and support, contact: Alberta Health Services Youth Addiction Services at
1-866-332-2322 (toll free in Alberta).
See the Resources section for more information.
