Gambling or Not?
You play a free game app but pay $4.99 for a mystery loot box with a random prize.
What is gambling-like behavior? (It mimics gambling but isn’t legally classified as it.)
If you win $50 but spent $100 to get there, you lost this much.
What is $50? (Winnings don’t erase your costs.)
This “feel-good” brain chemical surges during both gambling and gaming.
What is dopamine?
You start hiding your gambling from family. This is a sign of:
What is a developing gambling problem
"I can quit anytime." True or false—and why?
What is false? (Many people say this but find it hard to stop.)
A school fundraiser lets you buy raffle tickets to win a prize.
What is gambling? (You pay for a chance to win—classic gambling definition.)
A friend spends $2/day on scratch-offs. After 6 months, they say, “It’s just pocket change!” True or false?
What is false? ($2 x 180 days = $360!)
You think the next spin has to be a win after 10 losses. This thinking error is called:
What is the near-miss effect?
Your friend always seems to win—but never shows the losses. What should that tell you?
What is they’re showing only part of the picture?
Healthy alternatives to gambling should include things that are:
What are rewarding, social, or creative?
You play poker with friends but no one bets money or prizes.
What is not gambling? (No value is at risk.)
You win $500 from betting, but now feel pressured to keep gambling. What have you actually “won”?
What is a risk of addiction or stress?
True or false: Gambling problems are only about money.
What is false? (They're about control, emotions, and consequences too.)
You gamble to avoid stress or feel “in control.” Why is this risky?
What is it links gambling to emotional escape, not fun?
Name one place a teen could go for help or info.
What is a school counselor, trusted adult, or the NYS HOPEline (or local resource)?
Watching esports and placing "skin" bets on which team will win.
What is gambling? (Virtual items have real-world value.)
Gambling can impact your brain, time, and emotions. What’s another cost people often ignore?
What is relationships? (Trust and time with others can suffer.)
This part of your brain helps with impulse control—but it’s not fully developed in teens.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
400: You borrow $20 from a friend to place a bet. You win—but now you owe them. What’s the issue?
What is borrowed money adds pressure and damages trust?
True or false: You have to hit “rock bottom” to need help.
What is false? (Early help is better and more effective.)
Betting your chores on a video game match against a sibling.
What is gambling? (You're wagering something of value—your time and responsibility.)
“It’s not a problem if I’m winning!” Why is this thinking dangerous?
What is winning reinforces risky behavior and makes losses feel invisible?
You win once and feel a rush. Now you crave that feeling, even when losing. Why?
What is your brain is chasing dopamine, not logic?
Someone gambles regularly but doesn’t spend much money. Could they still be at risk?
What is yes? (Time, emotional attachment, and loss of control matter too.)
Your friend says, “Just this once. Don’t be boring.” What's one way to respond without shaming them?
What is “Nah, not for me—I'm good,” or “I’ve got better things to do with my cash”?