Earlier in the year, Emilie Kiser, a social media influencer with millions of followers, made the headlines for a very unfortunate tragedy. Her 3 year old son died from an accidental drowning in the family’s pool. Then, just two days ago (August 10. 2025) news broke that her husband and father to the child was allegedly gambling at the time of the incident. Investigators released cell phone records detailing correspondence between Brady Kiser and a popular online sports betting company within the brief timeframe of their son’s drowning. He allegedly called in to place a $25 player prop wager on the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum around the time that the child had fallen into the pool, and only discovered that something was amiss when he was alerted by the family’s golden retriever. The game between the Celtics and the New York Knicks was playing on the TV when officers arrived on the scene. At press, reports indicate that no charges will be pressed, but the incident has sparked numerous conversations about when gambling is and isn’t appropriate in familial settings.
As America’s leading problem gambling treatment provider we suggest that it’s never appropriate to participate in gambling when a guardian is charged with the care of children. While it goes without saying that leaving a child in the car to spend time in a casino is a terrible idea, online gambling from the comforts of home can be equally troubling. This is especially true for habitual gamblers who recognize that they may struggle to play responsibly. Whether you’re a parent/guardian who regularly gambles, or are a coparent of someone who does, please reference the following summary of why you should never gamble around kids.
4 Reasons Why Habitual Gamblers Should Avoid Online Gambling When Around Their Children
Gambling Distracts and Places Kids at Risk
Those who have a problematic relationship with gambling have a hard time focusing on anything else but the activity before them. They often exhibit attentional bias, which is a cognitive bias where compromised individuals tend to selectively focus on certain stimuli (i.e. gambling) while ignoring more important matters, including care for a child. Further, casino gaming and sports betting sites and apps are designed much like their brick-and-mortar siblings, complete with animations, noises, flashing lights, and other stimulating distractions that can lead to increased cognitive load (the mental effort required to process information) which can distract a parent/guardian from the ongoings of a child. This presents a risk to the health and safety of a young child.
Gambling Can Disrupt Important Bonding Time
Another symptom of problematic gambling behavior is a loss of interest in activities that don’t involve gambling. This includes interest in something that your child wants to talk to you about, or wants you to join them in doing together. While discussing the characters of their latest favorite Disney+ show may not be engaging for anyone in post-adolescence, doing so presents an opportunity for bonding. Is gambling really more important than that, especially when considering how much it means to them to have you show interest in what’s important to them? One day (teenage years) they will not want to share their interests with you, much less look in your general direction. Be sure to cherish every moment between now and then, beginning by logging out of your online gambling account.
Gambling Can Make You Lose Your Temper
A more troubling symptom of problematic gambling behavior for a parent/guardian to be mindful of, is a short temper. Irritation, anger, and mood swings cooccur with problem gambling. If deeply engaged in casino gaming or sports betting while watching over a child, and the child “interrupts” someone who struggles with gambling behavior, they (you?) may respond with an angry outburst, verbal abuse, or worse. Click here to view more on how an online gambling habit can make you easily irritable around your kids.
Your Child Learns Behavior Through Observation
Lastly, we must address the fact that kids learn behavior by watching their parents/guardians. This is referred to as observational learning, the process where which a child learns by watching others, retains the information, and then later replicates the behaviors that were observed. Numerous studies have shown that adolescent use of elicit substances are directly linked to witnessing parents participate in consumption. While research is limited on how growing up in a gambling home may contribute to adolescent gambling behavior, the well-established and scientifically supported concept of observational learning draws a logical conclusion that parents/guardians should be mindful of.
Other Articles You May be Interested In:
- Gambling Addiction Effects on Families
- Inherited Risk of Problem Gambling
- Are You Enabling Kids to Gamble in Your Home?
Considering what we’ve covered above, it’s clear that it’s not a good idea to gamble around your kids, even when being done from behind the screen of a mobile device. However, if you find that you are not able to abstain when watching over them, it may be time to reassess your relationship with gambling. Begin by taking the brief 2-minute quiz, and followup with a FREE assessment which you can access by calling, emailing, or using the appointment booking featured below.
TAKE 2-MINUTE GAMBLING QUIZ
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
OR
Email help@kindbridge.com
