Think, feel and act
THE ODDS ARE YOU WILL WANT TO PLACE THAT BET
In Australia we often don’t stop to think about the risks and rewards of betting
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It feels like everyone's doing it
Betting is seen as a normal "rite of passage" when turning 18 -
Peer pressure and FOMO
Shared betting experiences become part of social bonding -
It's everywhere
There is constant exposure through sports broadcasts and social media -
It's hard to understand the risks
Betting companies use techniques to keep you betting as young brains may not fully understand the risks
how young people get hooked on betting
THINK
FEEL
ACT
Feelings that keep you betting
When you win a bet, your brain releases dopamine. This is the same chemical that makes you feel good when you eat your favourite food or hang out with friends. This rush is what makes betting feel exciting.
But here’s what happens: over time, your brain needs bigger bets or more wins to feel that same rush.
Your brain is literally being rewired after each bet.
Thoughts that keep you betting
Alcohol and (other) drugs make It Worse
Alcohol or other drugs can reduce the brain’s ability to assess risk properly. It can also make people more likely to act on urges to bet, even when they know it’s not a good idea.
When substances are involved, the part of your brain responsible for good decision-making essentially goes offline.
Find out more
Sports Betting in Australia
Why it matters
Practical tools
A Quick Self-Check
Take a quiz to find out how concerned you should be about your gambling
Spending Calculator
Get some tips on how you can help your child to make decisions about gambling and gaming