Teenagers today are growing up in a digital world—where games, social media, and money often blur together. While this brings plenty of opportunities, it also exposes them to risks like gambling, often before they fully understand the consequences.
Even though it is illegal under 18, many teens still engage in gambling-like activities through loot boxes, betting with friends, or accessing online platforms. That is why GamLEARN is helping families, schools, and communities take action with practical, early prevention strategies for teen gambling—before real harm takes hold.
How Big is the Problem?
A 2024 report from the Gambling Commission in the UK found that 28% of young people aged 11 to 17 had taken part in some form of gambling in the past 12 months. That might sound shocking at first, but when you take a closer look, it becomes easier to understand why.
A lot of the time, gambling does not start in a casino or on a betting website. It might begin with a video game—spending money on loot boxes that offer random rewards, or playing games that simulate casino-style mechanics. Other times, it is as simple as betting on a football match with friends or entering competitions online. It feels harmless. But for some, it quickly stops being a game.
When gambling becomes a way to escape boredom, stress, or low self-esteem, it can spiral into something more serious. That is why prevention needs to happen early, and not just through rules and restrictions, but by giving young people the tools to understand what is happening and how to make better choices.
Why are Teens Drawn to Gambling in the First Place?
Teenagers are curious by nature. They like to test boundaries, try new things, and feel grown-up. Gambling often taps into all of that. It offers a rush, a sense of independence, and sometimes, the illusion of easy money.
Add to that the influence of peers, clever advertising, and the sheer availability of gambling-like features online, and it is not hard to see why some teenagers start experimenting with it. For others, gambling becomes a way to manage difficult feelings—something to do when they feel anxious, lonely, or low. In those moments, the promise of a win can seem like a way out.
The problem is, it rarely ends there. What starts as fun can turn into a habit. And once money gets involved, the stakes rise quickly.
So, What Can Be Done?
Prevention does not have to mean shutting everything down or wrapping teenagers in cotton wool. It is more about awareness, support, and helping them build the skills to navigate risk in a thoughtful way. Here are some of the most effective approaches.
Start the Conversations Early
Talking about gambling should not be a last resort. It is better to start early, while children are still forming ideas about money, risk, and reward. That does not mean hitting them with scary statistics. It simply means being open about what gambling is, how it works, and why it can become a problem.
Schools can play a big role here. Gambling education can be part of PSHE lessons, mixed in with topics like decision-making, digital safety, and mental health. Instead of focusing only on the dangers, the lessons should help teens think critically. What are the odds of winning? Why do companies use flashy graphics and reward systems? What happens when someone loses control?
Parents Should Be Involved
Parents and carers are in the best position to notice changes in behaviour—but many do not know what to look for. Gambling has changed so much in the past decade that it is easy to miss the signs, especially when it is happening online.
Workshops or resources for parents can make a huge difference. These might cover things like:
The link between gaming and gambling
Warning signs such as mood swings or secretive behaviour
Conversations that build trust rather than fear
How to set boundaries without creating conflict
It is not about surveillance—it is about creating an environment where teenagers feel they can talk openly without getting into trouble.
Support Better Coping Strategies
Sometimes, gambling is not really about money. It is about emotion. When a teenager is feeling anxious, bored, or under pressure, they might turn to gambling as a distraction.
That is why prevention should also focus on emotional well-being. Teenagers who know how to manage stress and cope with life’s ups and downs in healthy ways are less likely to fall into risky patterns.
That could mean getting involved in sports or creative activities, having access to counselling, or simply knowing they can talk to someone when things feel overwhelming. Building resilience is not about making life easy—it is about helping young people bounce back when life gets hard.
Set Digital Boundaries That Make Sense
Much of today’s gambling exposure happens online. That includes not just betting sites, but video games, mobile apps, and even social media. Some of these platforms include features that look and feel like gambling—even if they are not labelled that way.
Families can set boundaries around screen time and app usage, but it is not about being strict for the sake of it. It is about having honest conversations about how different apps work, how in-game purchases are designed to keep people spending, and how to tell the difference between real risk and pretend play.
Tackle Peer Pressure
Teenagers care a lot about what their friends think. If gambling becomes part of a group’s social life, it can be very hard for someone to step away—even if they want to.
One way to tackle this is through peer-led initiatives. Schools and youth groups can train teen ambassadors to lead conversations about gambling in a relatable way. When young people speak to other young people in their own language, the message often lands better.
Creating a positive peer culture is one of the most powerful tools we have.
Push for Industry Accountability
While education is essential, it is unfair to put all the responsibility on young people and their families. The gambling industry also has a part to play.
That includes making sure age restrictions are properly enforced, limiting gambling-style features in games aimed at young audiences, and being more transparent about odds and risks. Regulation around advertising—especially during sports events and on social media—needs to be much stronger.
Prevention works best when everyone is on the same side.
FAQs on Prevention Strategies for Teen Gambling
What are the early signs that a teenager might be gambling?
Some of the early signs can be subtle. These may include being secretive about online activity, borrowing or losing money without a clear explanation, talking frequently about betting or “winning big,” or becoming overly fixated on games with randomised rewards (such as loot boxes). Mood swings, restlessness, or suddenly changing friendship groups can also be indicators.
Is gambling in video games the same as real gambling?
Not exactly, but the line is becoming blurred. Features like loot boxes and prize wheels mimic gambling behaviour by encouraging risk-taking and rewarding chance-based outcomes. While they do not always involve real money, they can still shape how young people think about winning, losing, and spending. These behaviours can act as a gateway to more traditional forms of gambling.
How can I talk to my child about gambling without making them defensive?
Keep the tone calm and curious, not accusatory. Ask open questions like, “Have you ever seen gambling in your games or on social media?” or “What do you think about people betting on sports?” The goal is to start a conversation, not give a lecture. Let them know they can speak to you openly, and try to understand their perspective.
What role does advertising play in teen gambling?
Advertising, especially on social media and during sports events, can normalise gambling and make it look fun, easy, or glamorous. Teenagers may not always realise these ads are targeting them, but they absorb the messages. Part of prevention is helping teens decode advertising and understand how it influences their choices.
Where can I go if I am worried about a teenager’s gambling behaviour?
You can contact GamLEARN for advice, support, and referrals. If the issue is more serious, you might also consider speaking to your GP, a school counsellor, or a youth mental health service. Help is available, and early intervention can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts: A Better Path Moving Forward
Teenagers today face pressures that older generations could never have imagined. Gambling is just one part of that picture—but it is one that deserves more attention than it gets.
By focusing on prevention, not punishment—on conversation, not silence—we can give young people the chance to grow up with confidence, clarity, and choice. The goal is not to make them afraid of gambling, but to help them understand it, question it, and stay in control. The more we listen, the more we talk, and the more we act together, the more chance we have of freeing the next generation from harm.
If you need help, you can always contact us by messaging info@gamlearn.org.uk. We promise that everything you share will be confidential. Let us help the youth step into their future with freedom, not fear.
