This page contains information for parents and teachers about why young people gamble.
Why young people gamble
Research shows that young people are influenced to gamble by a range of factors including family, friends, accessibility and advertising.
On this page
Parents are the strongest influence on youth gambling
Studies show that young people are more likely to gamble if they gambled with their parents during childhood and had parents who approved of gambling. Research shows that family and friends have the strongest influence on young people’s gambling attitudes and participation.1
The role of peers
Young people can feel enormous pressure to fit in and be accepted by their peers. Research shows that young people whose friends gamble, and have a sense of belonging to an online community, are more likely to participate in gambling, want to gamble in the future, and experience gambling problems.2
Gambling advertising
Gambling ads strongly appeal to young people because they often use humour, celebrities, Tik Tok influencers, and incentives like 'free bets' and 'cash rewards'. These ads don't show the negative consequences of gambling so they can prime young people to believe that gambling is a risk-free and guaranteed way to make money.
- An average of 948 ads were broadcast daily on free-to-air TV in Victoria in 2021.3
- Gambling companies spent $171 million on advertising in Australia in 2025.4
Easy access to gambling
With the internet in the palm of their hand, it’s easier than ever for young people to gamble. From betting apps to simulated gambling games on social media, the easy accessibility of gambling increases the chances that young people will participate in, and experience harm from, gambling.
Other reasons why young people gamble
- falsely believing that gambling is an easy way to make money
- needing an escape from everyday stress or trauma
- for entertainment, excitement, and to reduce boredom.
Sources:
1 & 2. Hing, N. et al., 2020 NSW Youth Gambling Study 2020. NSW, Responsible Gambling Fund.
3. Nielsen Ad Intel, 2022.
4. Nielsen Ad Intel, Biggest Ad Spenders of 2025 Report.