This tool was developed in response to the research findings, focus group discussions, and capacity-buidling workshops feedback where professionals repeatedly emphasized that parents often notice the problem too late, especially when young people hide betting slips, skip school, borrow money, spend excessive time online, or engage with gambling-like gaming features such as loot boxes and skins.
The checklist was designed to be simple, direct and easy to use. Its purpose is not to diagnose gambling addiction, but to help parents recognize early warning signs and start a calm, supportive conversation with their child. It focuses on everyday behaviours that parents may realistically observe, such as sudden secrecy around phone or computer use, unexplained spending, borrowing money, mood changes after online gaming or sport results, repeated talk about "easy mone", increased interest in odds or betting apps, withdrawal from regular activities, or attempts to hide online activity.
The checklist also covers gambling-like behaviours in digital environments. This was important because many parents do not immediately recognize that loot boxes, skins, in-game purchases, e-sports betting or repeated "chance-based" rewards can create similar habits and emotional patterns to gambling. By including these examples, the checklist helps parents understand that gambling prevention today must also include online gaming, social media, influencer content and digital advertising.
The tool encourages parents to avoid panic, blame or punishment as a first reaction. Instead, it advises them to observe patterns, ask open questions, listen carefully, check whether the behaviour is repeated, and seek support from teachers, coaches, youth workers or professionals if concerns continue.