Gambling and young people
Spot the warning signs, get support and start conversations before gambling harm takes hold.
Could gambling be affecting a young person you care about?
Online gambling doesn't look like a venue. It looks like a phone. It's always available, always in reach, and increasingly normal for young people.
Learn about the warning signs, get ideas on how to start difficult conversations, and find help before harm takes hold.
Spot the warning signs
Are you noticing they are:
- always asking to borrow money?
- always holed up in their room?
- more focused on betting than enjoying the game?
- often talking about gambling?
- losing interest in other activities?
- becoming secretive over money?
Time to have a chat?
Here are some ideas to help you start the conversation / kōrero.
- Talking can be easier when you’re out doing something – walking, driving or sharing a meal.
- Check in with yourself and how you’re saying things. A non-judgemental approach will have better results.
- Make sure you really listen. Let them talk and take their time without interruption.
- Discuss tools or practices that the whole whānau can adopt to keep safe online.
- Make a list of things you could do together that aren’t gambling related.
- Ask what you can do to support them. Young people often have the solutions already – they may just need some support getting started.
For more ideas:
More on youth gambling from our partners
Touchgrass is Aotearoa New Zealand’s first integrated early intervention service designed specifically to address gambling, gaming, and excessive screen use. The service was co-designed with rangatahi alongside the PGF youth team and informed by international best practice.
Tūturu has recently released a new gambling harm prevention resource for secondary schools/rangatahi.
The e-learning module is designed for whānau of rangatahi attending secondary school. It aims to support whānau to work with their rangatahi, to navigate gaming, gambling, and related digital wellbeing impacts. The e-learning module takes a strengths-based approach, with practical strategies, tips, and builds whānau confidence to have supportive conversations.
Get Support
Find out more about warning signs and what you can do.
Get support from a local support service.
Is it gaming or gambling?
The line between gaming and gambling can be blurry. Learn how you can help your young person understand the difference.
PGF Services has tips and information on gaming and gambling.
Tūturu have gaming and gambling resources for use in education settings.
Related information
Check out these other pages for safer gambling support and guidance.