One in three teenagers in Australia has gambled
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13 Apr 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Gambling addiction among teenagers in Australia is reaching worrying levels, with almost 20% of young people taking part in gambling, often online. This phenomenon is exacerbated by easy access to gambling platforms and a lack of awareness of the risks. Consequences include mental disorders and financial problems. Authorities and organisations are working hard to combat this scourge through prevention campaigns and tighter control of online gambling, but stricter measures are needed to protect the younger generation.
More and more young Australians are turning to gambling. It’s a growing phenomenon with serious consequences for their physical and mental well-being. According to recent studies, the number of teenagers involved in gambling has risen considerably, causing concern among health experts and public authorities. So what’s going on? Why is this phenomenon exploding today, and what can be done about it?
A silent scourge
The phenomenon is all the more worrying because it affects teenagers who have not yet reached the age of legal majority. Easy access to online games, mobile applications and advertising targeting young people make the temptation stronger. The results are striking: a study conducted by the Association for Adolescent Health reveals that almost 20% of young Australians have already taken part in some form of gambling. Of these, 12% are regular gamblers.
One in five Australian teenagers admit to having gambled, often online. While these figures are not enough to cause alarm, experts point out that some of these young people are developing pathological behaviour linked to gambling, such as stress attacks, mounting debts and even problems at school.
Why are young people attracted to gambling?
One of the reasons for this craze for gambling among Australian teenagers is undoubtedly the trivialisation of the phenomenon in popular culture. Advertisements for online casinos and games of chance are ubiquitous, particularly on the digital platforms that young people use on a daily basis. Easy access to online gambling is also a determining factor. What’s more, young people are often less aware of the risks, particularly when it comes to gambling and its addictive potential.
Online gambling, which can be accessed from a smartphone, means that bets can be placed or games played at any time, regardless of location. The lack of adult supervision and the anonymity of the internet make this burgeoning addiction even easier. A study carried out in 2023 revealed that 72% of teenagers under the age of 18 in Australia have already visited an online gambling site.
Dramatic consequences for young gamblers
The consequences of excessive gambling on the mental and physical health of Australian teenagers are serious. Studies show that young gamblers develop symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety and social isolation. Many young people find themselves trapped in a vicious circle, where they spend more and more to compensate for their losses, sometimes using their parents’ money.
The lack of resources to help young gamblers is another shortcoming. While more and more teenagers are affected by this phenomenon, few support structures are available specifically for them. Families are often the last to become aware of the problem, as the signs of addiction are often discreet and manifest themselves in behavioural changes such as angry outbursts, isolation or poor school results.
Solutions being considered
Faced with the scale of the problem, the Australian authorities are taking steps to curb the rise in gambling among young people. Among the solutions being considered are awareness-raising campaigns and tighter controls on access to online gambling by minors. Stricter legislation on gambling advertising and the introduction of warning systems are also being explored.
The Australian government has allocated funds to research into gambling addiction and supports initiatives aimed at protecting young people. Many non-governmental organisations are also working to provide educational resources and specialist helplines for young people and their families.
There is an urgent need for society to become aware of the seriousness of the situation. Gambling among young people is a problem that goes beyond the financial aspect, as it directly affects their personal and social development.