Talking to young people about gambling
Learn to hold effective conversations with young people about gambling.
Arcade games
Arcade games, while seeming harmless, can introduce gambling concepts through games of chance and prize machines. These experiences might seem like innocent fun but can normalise gambling behaviors from an early age.
The national lottery
The national lottery and scratch cards remain common entry points to gambling, often seen as less harmful due to their widespread availability and social acceptance. Young people might see family members playing these games or even be given scratch cards as gifts, despite age restrictions.
Gaming machines
Gaming machines and online gambling have evolved significantly. While traditional slot machines are restricted to adult venues, similar mechanics now appear in mobile and console games that young people can easily access.
Betting
Betting has become increasingly visible to young people, particularly through advertising during sports events and social media. From casual bets on match outcomes to complex in-game wagers.
Esports
The rise of esports has created new gambling opportunities, with young people able to bet on competitive gaming events just as they would traditional sports. This creates particular risks as it combines gaming culture with gambling behaviors.
Private betting
Private betting among friends has also evolved in the digital age. What once might have been small wagers on playground games can now involve complex betting pools organised through social media or messaging apps.
Online games
Online games increasingly include elements that mirror traditional gambling, from loot boxes to virtual currency systems. While not technically gambling in legal terms, these features can trigger similar psychological responses and behaviors to gambling and can involve spending virtual currency which has been purchased with real money.
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