Betting apps put young people and families at risk

What the research found

Australian children's hospital guidance says all forms of gambling can be addictive and hard to stop. It lists sports betting and online gambling among the types young people may encounter. It also says gambling in childhood raises the risk of gambling problems in adulthood. Online gambling has become more popular in recent years.

A 2022 systematic review of 35 reports from 12 countries found gambling fell overall during COVID-19. It also found marked increases in gambling among vulnerable groups, including young adults and people already at risk. A 2019 review says gambling has become common among adolescents and that gambling problems often begin in childhood or the teen years.

Victorian health guidance says that when someone close to you experiences gambling-related harm, it can affect you as well. Gambling can strain relationships and put family finances at risk. The guidance suggests practical steps such as family budgeting and agreeing on how much cash or credit a person can access.

What it doesn’t mean

• None of the cited research examines betting apps specifically. It does not show that apps cause more harm than other forms of gambling.
• The legal age for public gambling in Australia is 18, but guidance notes teens can encounter gambling-like features in video games, such as loot boxes, which are less regulated.
• If you are worried about your child's gambling, or gambling in your household, talk to a GP or a gambling helpline. Support is also available for family members.