Gambling and young people

Gambling among young people is common, they are exposed to gambling as part of their everyday lives. The NSW Youth Gambling Study conducted in 2020 took a close look at young people’s gambling behaviours and attitudes. The research found that:  

• Almost 30% of kids aged 12 to 17 had gambled in the past year. 
• They first gambled when they were 11 or 12 years old. 
• 3% to 4% have a gambling problem or are at risk.

How young people are participating in gambling

The NSW Youth Gambling Study found the most popular forms of gambling were informal private betting, scratchies or lotteries, bingo and keno. However, a quarter of the young people who had gambled in the past year had gambled online. The most common way they gambled online was by using a parent's account
with their permission.

What influences young people to gamble?

A range of factors can make gambling seem appealing to young people.

Parents and carers can have the greatest influence on children’s attitudes and behaviours towards gambling.