Gambling For Kids: A How To Guide

Your children have plenty of opportunities to learn about gambling that are dressed up as something else. The problem is that they may be learning about it backwards, if those who profit from virtual worlds, claw machines, and collectible fads have their way. So many "games" seem innocuous, as they are aimed at children, but end up costing something for just a chance at winning. And sometimes you must look deep to see how it works.

Well here’s a thing. Panini Sticker books are gambling for kids. There’s no doubt that’s a fair representation of them. Collect stickers! Oh god collect them now! But do so by giving us money for random stickers you may or may not need or want! Swap them with your friends by all means, but lets be honest, some stickers will just be rare. So you have to be lucky. And you are not lucky. So buy more!

You could substitute baseball cards, Beanie Babies, or Pokemons in that last paragraph. Collecting is fine when you love the things you collect and know your limits. But collecting things that are manufactured to be collected in hopes of reaping a profit is troubling. Do your kids engage in the activities in the linked article? You may want to have a discussion with them about chance, odds, and long-term cost. Link -via Metafilter