The Rise of Youth Gambling in Australia: Why Teens Are More Likely to Bet than Play Sports

By April Long, CEO, SMART Recovery Australia

For many young people, betting has become as common as checking the score. The rise of youth gambling in Australia isn’t just about money - it’s about how the line between play and risk is blurring for an entire generation. According to an article by The Australian Institute, almost one in three 12–17-year-olds in Australia has already dabbled in gambling. Among 18-to 19-year-olds, this figure increases to almost half. In another article from Love The Game Victoria, reports estimate that close to 600,000 young people under 18 are gambling and together spend over $18 million each year.

For many families, schools and communities, youth gambling isn't just  “a bit of fun”. It’s quickly becoming normal for young people, often long before they can legally enter a venue or place a bet themselves.

Youth Gambling Australia: What do the numbers tell us?

When we look at youth gambling statistics more closely, a clear pattern appears:

• National data shows 30% of 12–17-year-olds have gambled in the past year, rising to 46% of 18–19-year-olds.
• State and territory surveys suggest that about one-third to one-half of young adults aged 18–24 gamble each year, and around 75% have gambled at some point in their lives.
• A 2023 National study shows that among regular gamblers, 18–34-year-olds are at the greatest risk of gambling harm. 

These youth gambling statistics and national reports highlight a simple, but undeniable truth: gambling is starting earlier, and the habits formed in adolescence can carry into adulthood.

Why betting is beating sports for young people

For many young people in Australia, sport and gambling are now tightly connected. Rather than cheering for their team, young people are increasingly encouraged to “make it interesting” by placing a bet on the result. A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that younger men in particular are showing strong interest in online sports and racing bets.

Why is gambling so appealing and accessible for young people? There are several reasons that could be contributing factors: 

• Consistent advertising: Gambling ads can be seen during sports broadcasts, online streams and social media, which can make betting feel like a normal part of fandom. 
• Phones make it easy: Mobile apps mean a bet is only a few taps away – no club, no bookie, no leaving the couch. 
• Gaming “loot boxes” and skins betting: Gambling-like features in games (such as loot boxes) can introduce risk-taking with money at an even younger age, and are linked to later gambling problems. 
• Peer and influencer culture: For some young people, watching friends or influencers showcase big “wins” online can create pressure to join in, without revealing the many losses that often lie behind those moments. 

When all of these factors are taken into account, it’s understandable that placing a bet might feel, to a young person, more immediate and exciting than attending training or playing a weekend match.

The hidden risks behind the odds

While many young people might describe gambling as “just a bit of fun", the impacts can be serious. Harms can include:

• Financial stress – even small, frequent bets add up quickly on a limited income.
• Mental health impacts – anxiety, low mood, shame and stress about money or hiding gambling from family and friends. 
• Relationship strain – conflict at home, tension with partners or friends, secrecy and loss of trust.
• Normalisation of risk – getting used to high-risk financial decisions at a young age can set patterns that are hard to break later. 

How families, schools and communities can respond

No one person or group is responsible for fixing youth gambling in Australia – it’s a shared challenge. But together, we can help reduce harm and give young people more choice and control.

Some practical steps include:

• Start open, non-judgemental conversations about gambling early, just as we do with alcohol, vaping or online safety.
• Focus on skills, not shame – explore how to manage urges, set limits, and recognise risky situations.
• Support a healthy love of sport – emphasise teamwork, fitness and fun, rather than the odds.
• Advocate for safer environments – back policies that reduce gambling advertising around sport and restrict simulated gambling features for children. 

Finding support

If gambling is starting to crowd out study, work, friendships or sport – for you or someone you care about – you’re not alone, and support is available.

Evidence-based programs like SMART Recovery Australia provide a safe, inclusive space to talk about gambling and other addictive behaviours, build practical coping strategies and work toward a more balanced life, one step at a time.

Reaching out isn’t about blame. It’s about giving young people, and the adults around them, the tools and community they need to rewrite their story with gambling – and to put wellbeing back at the centre.