Australian teenagers more likely to gamble than play any sports says report
Australia is famous for its outdoor sporting culture, sun-drenched beaches, and youth culture. However, a recent study by The Australia Institute has revealed a shocking trend: Australian teenagers are more likely to gamble than engage in mainstream sports such as soccer or basketball. This finding raises serious questions about the future of gambling in Australia and its effect on young people.
The report stated that Australians bet an astonishing A$244.3 billion (€148.2 billion) in the 2022-23 financial year. Although much of this was paid out as winnings, net gambling losses were A$31.5 billion (approx. €17.4 billion), which is even higher than Las Vegas’ total gambling losses of A$21 billion (€11.6 billion). To illustrate this, the figure is roughly equal to the size of the entire economy of the Northern Territory.
Teenagers interested in Gambling vs. sports participation
According to the report, youth gambling is not a small problem, it’s common. The statistics indicate that30 percent of youth aged 12–17 and 46 percent of those aged 18–19 engage in gambling. Overall, more than 902,000 Australian youths aged 12-19 years have gambled in the last year, which shows the high incidence of gambling among youth.
The data indicates that gambling is more prevalent among Australian teenagers than playing sports. A total of 902,717 teenagers aged 12-19 engage in gambling, which exceeds the combined number of those participating in soccer (484,490) and basketball (439,773).
The average Australian adult spends A$1,527 (€890) annually on gambling, but among active players, this figure skyrockets to A$2,942 (€1,715). Frequent bettors, those who place bets regularly, reportedly spend close to A$35,000 (€20,415) a year. Teenage gambling spending is estimated at A$231 million (€134.7 million) annually, with younger teens (12-17 years old) contributing A$18.4 million (€10.7 million). The data suggests that gambling is not merely a pastime but a hardcore habit for many Australians.
Additionally, gambling participation is two and a half times higher than Aussie Rules football and one and a half times higher than soccer. This trend is alarming, as it suggests that betting is becoming more appealing to young Australians than traditional sports and physical activities.
Factors driving teen gambling in Australia
Teenagers are introduced to gambling by casual wagers with friends or relatives. Observing parents or older siblings gamble makes the activity a normal part of life.
Contemporary video games now include gambling-like features, including loot boxes, which are played by purchasing money in the hopes of getting something from a game. These systems innocently expose kids to the excitement of wagering. Advertising for gambling appears to be ubiquitous on television, social media, and even sports coverage. Major sporting leagues are sponsored by betting brands, which helps make gambling just another entertainment option for the public.
The need for stronger policies
Research suggests that gambling behaviours established during adolescence persist into adulthood. The “Growing Up in Australia” project found that gambling participation increased significantly from 16-17 years old (16 percent) to 18-19 years old (46 percent). Without intervention, these habits continue into the early 20s, with little decline until age 25.
Almost 40 percent of Australian parents are worried about their teenagers being exposed to gambling advertisements, but less than half have spoken about the dangers to their children. Demand for a tighter regime and prohibition on gambling commercials is still on the rise.
Despite people’s calls for change, the Australian government has been slow in enforcing tighter gambling ad regulation. A phased ban was recommended by a 2023 inquiry, with 76 percent of Australians in favour, but enforcement has made little progress.
To combat the rising issue, strategies such as educational programmes, parental guidance, and stricter regulations must be implemented. Community-led initiatives and school awareness programmes can help curb the problem before it escalates.
