Teenagers are under more pressure than ever. Between exams, social media, friendships, and family life, there is little room to pause, let alone process how it all feels. Most teenagers find ways to deal with these pressures, even if it takes a few wrong turns along the way. But for some, the coping strategies they reach for can cause more harm than good—and gambling in adolescents is becoming an increasingly common example of this.
One of the quieter, less talked-about issues facing young people today is the rise in gambling. It often starts small: a harmless game, a bet with friends, a lucky win. But for adolescents who are already under stress, gambling can become more than just entertainment. It can turn into a way of coping. At GamLEARN, we have seen how this pattern can quietly take hold, often unnoticed by families until it has already become a problem.
What Does Gambling Look Like for Teenagers?
When people hear the word “gambling,” they often imagine betting shops or casinos. But gambling in adolescents rarely resembles that image. Instead, it hides in places that feel ordinary—video games with loot boxes, fantasy football leagues, scratch cards bought with pocket money, or betting apps accessed on a sibling’s account.
UK statistics paint a clearer picture of how widespread this issue really is. In the most recent Young People and Gambling report (2024), 27% of 11–17-year-olds admitted to spending their own money on gambling in the past year. Among this group, the most frequent activities included playing arcade-style machines such as claw grabbers (20%), placing bets with friends or family (11%), and playing cards for money (5%).
Though not all of these activities involve age-restricted products, a concerning 1.5% of young people were classified as problem gamblers—a noticeable rise from 0.7% the previous year. A further 1.9% were identified as at-risk gamblers, showing warning signs such as chasing losses or betting beyond their means.
Earlier studies offer additional context: a survey in Wales found that about 41% of 11–16-year-olds had gambled in the last year, and 16% of those reported feeling bad as a result of their gambling experience.
What these numbers reveal is that gambling in adolescents is not a rare or fringe issue—it is surprisingly common, often under-recognised, and in some cases harmful.
Why Stress Makes Gambling Appealing?
Stress itself is not unusual in adolescence. It is part of growing up. But when it becomes constant or overwhelming, young people start looking for ways to make it stop. Some talk to friends or family. Some bury themselves in schoolwork or hobbies. Others withdraw. And some, whether by accident or design, turn to gambling.
In those moments, gambling can seem to offer relief. It is exciting, distracting, and private. It gives the feeling—however false—of control. And for someone struggling with their mental health, feeling anxious, out of place, or not good enough, the possibility of a win can feel like a much-needed boost.
This is what makes gambling coping strategies so dangerous. They work, at least in the short term. A quick bet might ease anxiety. A win might lift someone’s mood. But the relief does not last, and before long, the cycle starts again—often with more at stake, emotionally and financially.
Could Gambling be a Way of Coping?
The idea of gambling as a coping mechanism is not often discussed, especially when it comes to teenagers. But it happens more than people realise. These coping strategies are not always conscious decisions. Sometimes, it is just what feels easiest in the moment.
Teenagers might use gambling:
To distract themselves from arguments at home or pressure at school
To feel in control when life feels chaotic
To chase a win after losing money, hoping to “fix” things
To feel more grown-up, especially if friends are doing the same
The problem is that gambling does not solve anything. It simply delays the need to face whatever is really going on. Over time, this can lead to bigger problems—money worries, poor school performance, damaged relationships, and even mental health struggles.
What are the Warning Signs?
Teenagers are not always keen to open up about what they are going through, and that includes gambling. Still, there are signs that something might not be right. These can include:
Asking for money without a clear reason
Becoming secretive about online activity
Changes in mood or behaviour
A sudden interest in betting or gambling-related content
Skipping school or avoiding friends
Falling grades or lack of motivation
These changes do not automatically mean someone is gambling, but they are worth paying attention to. The key is to stay curious, not accusatory. Shaming or scolding rarely helps. Instead, try to understand what the behaviour is covering up. What might they be avoiding? What do they need help with?
What Can Help Instead?
If a young person is turning to gambling to cope with stress, the goal is not just to stop the gambling. It is to give them other ways of managing whatever they are feeling. That often takes time, patience, and a bit of trial and error. But there are things that can make a difference.
1. Make Space for Conversation
Sometimes, teenagers gamble because they do not know how else to deal with what they are feeling. Being able to talk—without judgement or interruption—can go a long way. You do not need to have all the answers. Just being there, and really listening, matters more than you might think.
2. Talk About Gambling Honestly
Young people need to understand what gambling is and how it works. That includes the risks, the emotional traps, and how the industry is designed to keep people spending. Honest, age-appropriate conversations can help build awareness and reduce the mystery or appeal.
3. Encourage Other Outlets
Every teenager needs ways to blow off steam. Sport, music, art, volunteering—whatever fits. The activity itself matters less than the feeling it brings. If it helps them feel calm, connected, or capable, then it is worth encouraging.
4. Keep an Eye on Digital Habits
Total control is not realistic, and it is rarely helpful. But having some boundaries around devices, apps, or spending can reduce exposure to gambling content. This might mean disabling in-game purchases, talking about specific risks, or simply agreeing to regular check-ins.
5. Know When to Ask for Help
If gambling has become a pattern, or if it is covering up deeper struggles like anxiety or depression, professional support might be needed. This could involve school staff, mental health professionals, or organisations like GamLEARN, which specialise in gambling-related harm.
FAQs on Gambling in Adolescents
What is gambling in adolescents?
Gambling in adolescents refers to under-18s engaging in activities that involve betting money or valuables on games of chance, such as online casinos, sports bets, or loot boxes.
Is it legal for teenagers to gamble in the UK?
No. Most forms of gambling are illegal for those under 18, though some unregulated or overlooked forms, like loot boxes, are still accessible.
Why do some teenagers turn to gambling?
Many use it to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, or low self-esteem. It can feel like a quick escape from difficult emotions.
What are gambling coping strategies?
These are ways teenagers use gambling to manage emotional distress, such as gambling to feel better or to forget problems.
How can I tell if a young person is gambling?
Look for secrecy around money, mood changes, borrowing funds, reduced school performance, or unusual interest in gambling content.
Closing Thoughts
Teenagers are still figuring out who they are and how to manage life’s pressures. Sometimes, they make choices that do not serve them well, but that does not mean they are lost causes. With the right support and guidance, they can unlearn unhealthy coping strategies and build something better in their place.
At GamLEARN, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to cope in ways that make life more manageable, not more complicated. We are here to listen, guide, and walk alongside anyone who needs support—because gambling should never be a way to deal with pain. Contact us at info@gamlearn.org.uk should you need help.
