Helping a young person who gambles
Even though it’s rarely spoken about, gambling behaviour is becoming more common with children and young people.
It's important to remember that the minimum legal age for gambling in Great Britain is 18.
To help prevent young people from developing a problem with gambling, it's important to:
children in Great Britain aged 11-17 years old are experiencing 'problem gambling'.¹ Exposure to gambling at an early age could be damaging in the long term.
There are several things to consider when you speak to a young person about their, or your own gambling. If you’re talking to a young person about their gambling, be aware that they might:
To make them feel more comfortable about opening up, the best way to start a conversation is to:
Whether you're a young person, parent, or guardian, talking about gambling can be tough, but you're not alone. There are a wealth of resources available to help you open up:
If you’re worried about a young person, it’s important to tell them that it’s because you care. Telling them how you feel might help them open up. You could try using ‘I’ instead of ‘you’ to avoid sounding accusatory.
For example: "I’ve noticed that you’re spending more time and money on online games. I’m feeling a little worried. I want to offer to help. Can we talk about it?"
It’s important to make sure you speak in a positive, calm and non-judgemental way. You could start by asking them what they think about gambling before offering your opinion. This is a good way to find out what they know.
Do your best to listen without interrupting. If they feel they’re understood by you, they are more likely to talk openly and honestly.
Discussing the risks and consequences of gambling might be helpful. For example, you might talk to them about how gambling could have a negative impact on their wellbeing and relationships.
If you gamble yourself, the young person might see this behaviour as normal. Be aware of your own reasons for gambling and help them to understand how they could reduce or stop their gambling. For example:
It’s a good idea to speak to the young person about what video games or gambling websites they spend their time on.
Many online games contain loot-boxes which are paid for with real money and give gamers the chance to win in-game items. Paying for loot-boxes is not currently considered gambling. However, studies have shown that loot-boxes have many of the same characteristics as gambling and have been strongly linked with gambling harms.
It can be easy to lose track of money spent on loot boxes, especially for children and young people, so we would not recommend under 18s using them.
Sometimes adverts and the media can make gambling seem cool and fun, or like a solution to problems.
You should explain to the young person that gambling companies use these techniques to make gambling seem desirable, but it’s important to remind them that gambling comes at a cost.
Talk to them about how they spend their money. Explain that gambling should never be seen as an easy way to make money or recover money they’ve lost.
Research shows that 96% of children and young people are exposed to gambling adverts each month, which leads to more people experiencing gambling harm in the future. Limiting gambling ads can help to reduce their exposure.
If you’re worried about a young person’s gambling, there are many support options available to help:
GamCare offer a free service for anyone aged 18 and under in the UK who is 'at risk' of experiencing harm because of gambling.
NHS National Gambling Clinic accept referrals into their service from anyone aged:
If you’re a family member or friend supporting someone you care about, you must also take care of yourself. If someone’s gambling is affecting you in any way, there’s help and support available for you.
If you’re a teacher or youth worker who wants to talk to children or young people about gambling, there's a range of resources and training opportunities available.
It looks like you’re outside Great Britain.
Unfortunately this service is for England, Scotland and Wales residents only. You can find out more about international support here.