Online gambling and its impact on young people

Online gambling has become one of the most rapidly growing harms affecting young people across Australia. With sports betting ads saturating screens and gambling apps available at any moment, many teenagers and young adults are being pulled into a culture where betting feels normal — even expected. But behind the screens and statistics are real people and real families living with the consequences.

A study published last year by the Centre for Social Policy Research at the Australian National University (ANU) indicated a substantial increase in online gambling in the 12 months to January 2025, and an intensification of the harms associated with it, including loneliness and psychological distress.

Recent research from the Australian Institute shows that Australian teenagers are now more likely to gamble than play organised sport.

Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT) CEO Tania Hunt says in 2022 her organisation held a series of statewide consultations about gambling with young people in the 12-19 age group.

“The young people we spoke to were generally very aware that gambling can become problematic and that it can inflict damage on families and individuals,” she said. “They also told us there needed to be more educational resources on this topic, and they wanted to have a say in how these materials are designed and distributed”.

Anglicare Tasmania provides free Gamblers Help support services and manages a range of community education programs.

Our services provide support not just to those who are experiencing problem behaviours, but also for those directly impacted, such as friends and families.

For more information you can call us on 1800 243 232 or click on the following link.