It’s the addiction you don’t see — but the damage is all too real.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Randy Dellosa calls gambling a “hidden addiction” — often dismissed or undetected — especially among the youth, where the habit thrives in secret behind phone screens and borrowed money.
“Gambling can be legal and culturally accepted, even family-sanctioned,” Dellosa explained in an interview with ANC’s Top Story.
“But the addiction part? That’s where it becomes hidden. There’s shame, denial and secrecy. People protect their gadgets, hide debts, and emotionally spiral — quietly.”
With the Department of Health (DOH) now flagging gambling as a potential mental health problem, the rise of online platforms has accelerated the trend.
Dellosa says the accessibility, anonymity and ease of borrowing money online make digital gambling especially dangerous for vulnerable teens.
“You can make a bet in your bedroom and borrow from online scammers with one click,” he warned.
“So much of it happens in private.”
“The teenage years are the formative years,” Dellosa noted.
“Imagine growing up feeling depression, anxiety, shame, and guilt — all while missing school and feeling like the family’s black sheep.”
Emotional breakdowns, secrecy and even criminal behavior like theft can follow.
Red flags include mood swings, academic decline, and extreme protectiveness over gadgets or passwords.
“Sometimes, families only discover the problem after seeing debts or stolen money,” he said.
But there is hope.
“Eighty percent of my patients get well,” Dellosa shared.
“What matters most is their desire to change and the support of family.”
He emphasized that healing often goes beyond treating the individual.
“Sometimes the addict is just the identified patient. The family dynamic itself might be the real issue,” he said. Gambling becomes their escape, their panacea for feeling good.
Dellosa encourages families to approach suspected addiction without judgment.
“Postpone your emotional reaction. Be calm, neutral and ask questions gently,” he advised.
“Recovery is faster when families are involved.”
And to those secretly struggling, Dellosa offered this message: “Seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness … There is hope and help for you. Reach out. You can become a better version of yourself.” (ABS-CBN News)
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Where to get help? Youth struggling with online gambling addiction can safely and confidentially seek help from the trusted services in the Philippines.
* National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)
Hotline 1553 (24/7, nationwide, toll-free). Mobile: 0966-351-4518 | 0908-639-2672. Landline: (02) 989-8727 local 1553 Free and confidential. Funded by the Philippine government and DOH. Services include mental health crisis intervention, initial psychiatric assessments and referrals.
* UGAT Foundation (Families in Crisis)
Facebook: UGAT Foundation Inc.
Email: ugatfoundationinc@gmail.com
Offers free counseling via online platforms for individuals and families in crisis, including addiction-related issues. Run by professionals and trained volunteers; donations optional but not required. School-Based Guidance Counselors (Public Schools and State Universities). Free for enrolled students in public institutions. Can offer initial counseling and refer to DOH or DSWD-accredited services for addiction treatment.