Problem gambling has always been a major concern across Australia. Now, there is a new issue emerging as youth gambling dramatically increases among students. A recent report by ABC News notes that more and more young people are seeking help for problem gambling.

The Gambling Treatment Clinic at the University of Sydney has seen its numbers double over the course of the past three years – marking the beginning of what could be a problem gambling epidemic among youths. Previously, most of the clients who visited the treatment centre were addicted to playing pokies – but a shift has occurred.

Recently, counsellors have found themselves treating more individuals who are addicted to online sportsbetting. The majority of punters who seek help at the centre are now young males who wager with online bookmakers.

"When I first started, we pretty much never saw anyone of that 18 to 25-year-old demographic, but what we've seen is a dramatic increase, especially over the past three, four years," says Dr Christopher Hunt, a clinical psychologist at the Gambling Treatment Clinic. ""It seems to be young men who are getting themselves into trouble, and I guess that's particularly related to the fact that it's tied to sports and horse betting”.  

Dr Hunt believes that this dangerous trend is due to online gambling ads that are prevalent during sports broadcasts of football and rugby games. While a number of rules have been introduced to limit the number of gambling ads that are displayed, there are still plenty promotions that influence young male spectators to gamble.

Many of these ads depict gambling as glamorous and an easy way to make money – while they should be encouraging responsible gambling behaviour. "This escalation of this marketing of sports betting seems to have occurred just before we're seeing this rise in gambling in young men," he continues. He states that it is important for young people to get help early.

Many problem gamblers do not realise that they have an addition until it is too late, so it is crucial that the general public is well aware of the warning signs of problem gambling. If someone you know may be struggling with a gambling addiction, visit gamblershelp.com.au or call the Gambling Help Line at 1800 858 858.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.