Teen Gambling in Australia Reaches Alarming Levels
A recent study has highlighted a concerning rise in gambling among Australian teenagers, with one in three children aged 12 to 17 engaging in gambling activities.
The Scope of Teen Gambling in Australia
The study by The Australia Institute highlights that gambling is widespread among young Australians, especially those aged 18 to 19. This group spends around $231 million annually on gambling. Teen gambling is becoming more normalized, which raises alarms for public health.
Gambling has expanded beyond traditional forms like sports betting and lotteries. Online gambling, including gaming and virtual betting, now plays a significant role. Teens can easily bypass age checks, sometimes using adult accounts or accessing unregulated international websites.
Among 18 to 19-year-olds, with 46% of them reporting gambling in the last year. They spend an average of $321 annually, a sharp contrast to the $9.18 spent by 12 to 17-year-olds. Among those who do gamble, the average annual spend for 18 to 19-year-olds rises to $698.
The Risks of Early Gambling Habits
Experts warn that gambling habits formed in adolescence can lead to long-term financial, mental health, and relationship problems. Professor Sally Gainsbury from the University of Sydney stresses that the growing acceptance of gambling could have serious consequences.
To address this issue, experts are calling for stronger policies. One suggestion is to ban gambling ads during times when teens are most likely to be watching TV or browsing social media. These ads often appear during major sports events, which target younger audiences and normalize gambling.
While the government discussed potential changes in 2023, progress has been slow. Advocates argue that action is needed to limit the influence of the gambling industry on youth culture.
