Most people don’t see underage gambling as an issue until it develops into a full-fledged addiction. While excessive gambling is less common than overdosing on drugs or alcohol, it’s an addiction that affects the mind in the same way.

Gambling addictions begin in the early stages of a person’s life, typically by observation and influence from family members. Playing poker with family and friends at ages 10 or 11 might seem harmless, but studies show that exposure to gambling before age 12 makes a person four times more likely to have a gambling disorder in the future.

If not prevented, underage gambling rolls over into high school and college. It begins when young adults are simply betting on their favorite sports teams, buying lottery tickets, playing cards and everything in between. The fantasy sports industry is often impacted by high school and college boys who place real bets among their friend groups. Most people enter fantasy sports leagues with good intentions, but once one person gets a taste of victory, money starts pouring out of his or her pockets. According to knowtheodds.org, the rate of problem gamblers among college students is more than the adult population and almost twice the rate of the general population.

The ultimate pitfall for adult gambling addicts is when the victim uses his or her income for gambling when it should be used for basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter to support their families. Problem gamblers will do anything to obtain money—sometimes resulting in depression, mood disorders, criminal and antisocial behavior. Emotional and behavioral side effects are a simple prelude to larger issues like job loss and debt.

Treatment professionals usually see a small portion of problem gamblers because many people aren’t aware help is available. The best we can do is educate ourselves and those around us to prevent a child’s innocent spark of interest from turning into something regrettable. Don’t hesitate to call 1-877-8HOPENY if you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem.