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Credit: Stephanie Winn @sometherapist

Support Gambler-Identifying Kids.

#Slots4Tots Some kids don’t just show an affinity for gambling; they genuinely identify as gamblers from as young as 2-3 years old.

The early signs are unmistakable: You might catch them secretly downloading the World of Poker app or a virtual slot machine game on their iPad, they may treat their piggy banks like high-stakes treasure chests, get engrossed in arcade games, utter “cha-ching” while playing video games, or they may even calculate the odds of getting a double scoop of ice cream at dinner.

As an inclusive and modern adult, it’s your duty to affirm and educate your gambler-identifying child. Share with them the rich tapestry of people who’ve gambled throughout history: from the ancient Mesopotamians who rolled six-sided dice to the gold rush pioneers in the saloons of the Old West and, of course, to the high-rollers lighting up the Las Vegas Strip today.

Introduce them to iconic gamblers from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. Show them vintage ads, complete with cherries, BARs, and 7s, that made slot machines the epitome of cool. Make sure they understand they’re stepping into a long, glamorous, and diverse tradition that aligns with how they identify. Don’t hold back on the lingo either.

Teach them about “hitting the jackpot,” “rolling the dice,” and “pulling the one-armed bandit.” Make sure they know their “wilds” from their “scatters” and the importance of “RTP” (Return to Player). Affirmation goes beyond just acceptance. Help them craft their first ‘gambling resume’—highlighting their top scores in mobile games that simulate slots and help them take an accounting of their piggy bank funds to allocate cash for their future bets. Gambling is healthcare.

Don’t be gamblerphobic.

Legalize slots for tots, if they’ve got a piggy bank, give them a shot.