Why it matters
Engaging in gambling or gambling-like features whilst gaming online can affect children both now and in the future with:
- their own or other people's finances
- their relationships with family or friends
- their health and wellbeing
Children might also develop an increased interest in gambling and start to:
Changes you might see if gambling online
Gambling can affect children’s finances in several ways:
Unexplained money changes
They could suddenly have a lot. Or none
Reduced spending on usual items
Less money available for clothes, movies and music
Increased borrowing
More frequently asking for or borrowing money from family and friends
Gambling can impact how children connect with others:
Increased secrecy
Being secretive about their activities and how they spend their time
Social withdrawal
Wanting to engage less with friends or family
Communication changes
Less open conversation about interests and daily activities
Gambling can affect various aspects of a child’s wellbeing:
Changed priorities
Gaming time becomes more important than other activities they previously enjoyed
Strong emotional reactions
Becoming disproportionately upset when asked to stop gaming or when limits are set
Mood and behaviour changes
Mood swings, increased stress, irritability, or changes in sleep patterns
Changes you might see if gambling online
Gambling can affect children’s finances in several ways:
Unexplained money changes
They could suddenly have a lot. Or none
Reduced spending on usual items
Less money available for clothes, movies and music
Increased borrowing
More frequently asking for or borrowing money from family and friends
Gambling can impact how children connect with others:
Increased secrecy
Being secretive about their activities and how they spend their time
Social withdrawal
Wanting to engage less with friends or family
Communication changes
Less open conversation about interests and daily activities
Gambling can affect various aspects of a child’s wellbeing:
Changed priorities
Gaming time becomes more important than other activities they previously enjoyed
Strong emotional reactions
Becoming disproportionately upset when asked to stop gaming or when limits are set
Mood and behaviour changes
Mood swings, increased stress, irritability, or changes in sleep patterns
Many children are at risk of harm
of 12-17yr olds who had gambled in the past year were classified with problem or at-risk gambling
Teenagers are four times more likely to develop gambling problems than adults
We could fill the MCG twice with the number of 12-17yrs who are at risk or have already been harmed by their gambling.
- Teenagers are four times more likely to develop gambling problems than adults
- Almost half of 12-17yr olds who had gambled in the past year were classified with problem or at-risk gambling
- 3% to 4% of all Australian children aged 12–17 are at risk of or have already been harmed by own gambling
When Gambling features in games might Be Causing Harm
Here are some things that might suggest gambling-like gaming features are having a negative impact:
Financial
- Spending more than planned - Children spending way more money than they meant to on games
- Always asking for money - Regularly asking family for money to spend on games or apps
- Feeling bad about spending - Regretting or stressing about money spent on online gaming
Behavioural and Emotional
- Getting upset about gaming - Becoming stressed or cranky when they can't game or after gaming sessions
- Only talking about games - Spending heaps of time talking about online gaming instead of other stuff they used to like
- Not liking limits - Getting really upset when parents try to set limits on gaming time or spending
Social and Academic
- School performance dropping - Not doing as well at school as usual or skipping classes
- Sleep problems - Sleeping weird hours or always seeming tired
- Less time with others - Not as interested in hanging out with friends or doing other activities
If you notice any of these warning signs, there are practical steps you can take.
Practical tools
Steps to Reduce Risk
Practical ways to setup parental controls and limits to help manage gambling-like features in games
Conversation Guide
Get some tips on how to talk about gaming and gambling with your child
Spending Calculator
Work out how much gambling is costing you or someone you know