Worried your son is gambling over the holidays? What you can do

Hopes for peaceful connection and restorative rest over the holiday season can often be met by the harsh reality of busy schedules and increased stress. And for many families, new concerns are being brought to light. Thousands of parents across the country worry that their sons (or daughters) may be gambling or betting on sports in particular. During the holiday period of extended free time and high-profile sporting events, many parents may notice signs of a potential problem that are worth digging into.  

You may be able to sense when something is off, but may feel unsure about how to raise the topic or how to pinpoint the true indicators. Early awareness and open communication can prevent significant youth gambling harm. This guide brings together evidence-based insights, practical recommendations and clinical guidance from Birches Health to support families navigating this issue.

Signs your child may be gambling or betting on sports

Young people rarely volunteer information about gambling, and the signs are often subtle. Several behavioral shifts may indicate that a teen or young adult is betting:

Changes in spending or access to money

Unexplained spending, sudden requests to borrow money, missing cash or increased cash on hand can all be signs of gambling. But with the rise of digital payments – transfers through Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle, especially in larger amounts or with vague descriptions – may signal betting with peers or modern-day “bookies.”

Withdrawing from usual routines

Skipping classes, practice or a lack of interest in usual hobbies and activities, as well as isolating from family can be signs gambling may be starting to take priority.

Shifts in mood, energy or sleep

Sudden mood swings, irritability, disrupted sleep or low energy are common among young people experiencing stress, secrecy or financial strain tied to gambling.

Heightened fixation on sports or statistics

Constantly tracking scores across multiple sports at once, repeatedly checking a phone or showing a new obsession with odds and player stats can be early indicators of exposure to betting environments.

Secretive digital behaviors

Clearing browsing history, quickly closing apps or hiding phone activity may reflect attempts to hide the extent of betting.

Growing interest in gambling talk

Referencing “locks,” parlays, or betting terminology may reflect new or increased engagement.

While any individual sign can have many explanations, it’s worth addressing when patterns form across multiple areas. What matters most is understanding whether gambling is becoming a source of pressure, stress or compulsive behavior for your child, rather than punishing them for doing something “wrong.”

What you can do and say if you know your son is betting

Discovering or strongly suspecting your child is gambling can bring about frustration and at times confusion. Evidence from prevention organizations and clinical practice shows that supportive, non-judgmental intervention can make a meaningful difference.

Start the Conversation Early and Calmly

Opening a conversation is the first and most important step. Approaching your child calmly and without accusation increases the likelihood they will be honest about what they’re doing and why. Short, direct conversations tend to be more effective than long lectures.

You might begin by asking open-ended questions:
- “What have you been seeing around betting at school?”
- “How do you feel about how often you’ve been betting lately?”

Explain the risks, like chasing losses, and the ways in which gambling activates reward pathways in the brain.

If you learn that they are using illegal means to place bets, like a bookie or offshore sportsbook, it’s important to calmly explain that these environments lack consumer protections, increase the likelihood of debt and could carry legal consequences.

Assess What the Behavior Looks Like

You may not immediately know whether the betting is casual or harmful. Encourage your son to complete a free, confidential gambling self-assessment. Many young people underestimate the risk until they see their behavior reflected back to them.

If they are also engaging in online casino games, slots or rapid-play games, that raises the level of concern. These forms of gambling resolve wagers within seconds and can lead to heavy losses in short periods of time.

Share Educational Resources

Young people often respond well to third-party materials rather than parental guidance alone. Clinically grounded resources explain how gambling addiction develops, what warning signs look like and when to seek help. Some examples: 

Top 7 Tips for Responsible Gaming when Sports Gambling

Signs of Gambling Addiction

Gambling Addiction Help: Guide to Treatment and Recovery

Ensure You Are Not Unknowingly Funding the Gambling

Visibility into their spending can significantly reduce risk. Setting spending limits, using shared accounts or reviewing transactions together can prevent money from being funneled toward gambling without your knowledge.

Digital transfers are commonly used to pay gambling debts, even when disguised as payments for everyday activities.

Specialized Support if the Problem Escalates

If you believe gambling may already be a problem for your child, let them know specialized support exists and is confidential.

Gambling addiction recovery is possible with proper care, and outcomes improve significantly when young people receive early, evidence-based treatment. Birches Health offers specialized virtual support from licensed clinicians who understand the pressures facing teens and young adults. Online treatment programs can be especially helpful for youth who need confidential, flexible support.

Structured interventions can help families communicate concerns in a supportive, non-shaming way. These interventions focus on validation, documentation of harms recommended treatment steps and establishing clear boundaries. For some young people, this creates the clarity needed to accept help.

You can learn more or get started with Birches Health today:

Book an appointment with Birches Health
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com