Gen bet: a plain English summary of research into gambling and young people

The current generation of young people are growing up during a time of record levels of gambling advertising, and a rapidly increasing array of gambling options.

Gambling promotions are delivered across multiple media platforms and have become heavily embedded in sport, with a proliferation in advertising and sponsorship. Technological advances have made gambling more accessible than ever before, and there is a growing convergence between the gaming and gambling worlds, including video games simulating gambling activities.

This is the first generation to be exposed to saturation marketing of online betting products.

This summary report takes a look at the gambling environment, the impact of marketing and the influence of family and friends to unpack the reasons why young people gamble. Types of gambling commonly used by young people and the harms caused by gambling are also discussed.