Parents and carers

Conversations can make a difference.

As a parent, you can play an important role in minimising the normalisation of gambling in everyday life.

Early, open conversations help young people recognise gambling risks, question advertising, and make more informed choices.

Gambling – it’s everywhere.

Did you know that Australians gamble more than any other nation?

In 2022-23, Australians lost a total of $31.5 billion to gambling.

According to the independent public policy think tank the Australia Institute, almost one in three, or 30%, of 12-17 year olds gamble. By the time they become 18-19-year-olds, this increases to 46%.

Australian teenagers, before and after they turn 18, are more likely to gamble than to play any of the most popular sports in their age group.

Gambling is highly visible and accessible to young people through TV, sport, online platforms, games, and apps, making it seem normal and harmless.

In fact, it’s highly addictive – in the same way that tobacco and alcohol are addictive.

Young people are influenced by sports betting promotion, especially during sporting events.

If their friends think that gambling is just a normal part of liking and enjoying sport, or playing sport, they are more likely to think the same way.

The online games and apps they use (including loot boxes) distort the odds so that young people think there is a greater chance of winning than there really is.

This Anglicare website page called Clued In explains the connection between Gambling and Gaming.

What can I do?

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be an expert to talk to your kids about gambling.

You can help them understand the risks of gambling, and the role that advertising plays.

Try these conversation starters:

• Do you hear people talk about odds when watching sport?
• How many betting brands do you recognise?
• Do online games you play include loot boxes or gambling-style features?
• Do friends talk about gambling or pressure you to gamble?
• Do you think gambling on sport is safer than other types of gambling?

This website contains lots of resources to assist with talking about gambling and helping to reduce its harm on our youth.

What if my young person is already gambling?

The friendly and professional staff at Anglicare Tasmania can support you and your family. Contact us on 1800 243 232 for free, confidential support.

If you’d prefer to learn online, Anglicare has a free, online training session about gambling harm. Test your knowledge with a quick test and then move through a series of modules that introduce you to statistics, addiction, gambling harm and seeking support.

Further reading:

Teenage gambling in Australia – rates of expenditure and participation among 12-19 year olds, The Australia Institute, March 2025

The Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT) asked young Tasmanians for their views on gambling in 2022.

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.