Recent Gambling Commission research brings this into sharp focus – nearly 70% of 11-17 year olds now encounter gambling advertisements.

Let’s take a look at how this marketing landscape is evolving and what it means for young people.

How the digital world markets gambling to young people

Television adverts during sports events once dominated gambling marketing. Today, young people encounter gambling messages across an ever-expanding digital world. Instagram feeds feature sponsored posts promoting betting apps, YouTube creators integrate gambling content into their videos, and TikTok serves up targeted advertisements between trending clips. Even many popular games now include gambling-style features like loot boxes and microtransactions.

Kids playing football outside wearing football kits

The psychology behind marketing to young people

Marketing uses sophisticated techniques that can particularly resonate with young minds. Welcome bonuses and free bets create an appealing sense of risk-free excitement. Loyalty programmes keep players engaged through point systems and exclusive rewards. Time-limited offers tap into young people’s fear of missing out, creating pressure to act quickly.

These campaigns speak directly to youth culture through social media, often partnering with influential voices young people trust and admire. Sports sponsorships and celebrity endorsements help build positive associations with gambling brands. Meanwhile, seamless in-game advertising makes gambling content feel like a natural part of entertainment.

Group of women looking at mobile phone screen together

Gambling is more accessible than ever

Mobile technology has revolutionised how young people encounter gambling opportunities. Free-play options remove initial barriers, creating environments where young people can experiment without immediate financial risk. With gambling apps just a tap away, the digital world has brought unprecedented access to betting and gaming content.

Marketing materials are carefully crafted to capture attention – using vibrant colours, engaging sound design and dynamic visuals that appeal to young audiences. Some advertising may downplay risks while highlighting potential rewards, potentially creating unrealistic expectations. By showcasing high participant numbers and positive experiences, these campaigns can make gambling appear as a normal social activity.

The rise of personalisation means gambling companies can now tailor their messages based on individual interests and behaviours. This targeted approach makes the content more engaging and potentially more influential for young audiences.

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Building understanding together

As the digital landscape continues evolving, it’s vital that parents, teachers and youth workers understand how gambling marketing reaches young people. Through our free workshops, we equip professionals and caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to help young people navigate these messages critically and build resilience against potential harms.

想要加深理解?

加入我们培训的数千名家长和专业人士的行列,为儿童和青少年提供支持。我们的免费研讨会将为您提供预防游戏和赌博危害的知识和信心。

了解更多

Teenage boy on mobile phone

博彩与赌博的联系

了解游戏和赌博如何在年轻人的数字生活中日益重叠。

Young person playing game on smartphone in the bed at night

认识青少年赌博的危害

了解各种迹象,学习如何及早发现潜在危害。

需要即时支持?

如果您担心青少年受到游戏或赌博的伤害,可以向他们提供支持。