The pervasiveness and risks associated with gambling and the ease with which people of all ages can access and participate in gambling throughout Australian society is gaining greater awareness. However, little attention is being given to the views and experiences that children and young people, and in particular teenagers, have in relation to gambling.
Current narratives around teenagers’ participation in gambling tend to focus on boys who participate in sports betting or who buy loot
boxes while gaming. There is currently little exploration of the broad range of ways in which children and young people come to be exposed to, and participate in, various forms of gambling within family, school and community settings.
This report aims to shed light on these areas, highlighting how teenagers view gambling, as well as how they engage with it across the day-to-day activity of their lives.
Teenagers who completed my survey said they want to be better informed about gambling, including what leads to gambling issues and addiction. Some expressed their cynicism about their chances of winning and knew that some forms of gambling are rigged. Some were critical about the current pervasiveness of gambling, which they see on TV, on social media and in public spaces. These are not just aimed at adults but are also targeted towards children and young people.
To have greatest impact, this support needs to be delivered via education, at home and at school, through policy and regulations, and through specially prepared resources that are designed for and with input from teenagers themselves.