About

Gambling

This is where you can find out more about gambling – what it is, how it works, the risks, and what to do if you are worried about your own gambling or the gambling of someone close to you.

Harmful Gambling

Most young people will have no issues with gambling, and it will be a fun activity to enjoy with friends. However, a few people may find their gambling is becoming out of control and is affecting their everyday life.

Check out our information below to find out more about gambling problems and the harms they can cause.

in 2022:

2.4% of 11- 16 year olds in England, Scotland and Wales were identified as at ‘risk gamblers’.

Gambling problems

Gambling is a risky activity, and it’s possible that it could quickly get out of control. A few of the things which could make this more likely to happen are:

Being introduced to gambling at an early age
Parents and/or family members who gamble

Pressure from your friends or peers to gamble
Having a big win

According to a survey from the Gambling Commission in 2022, 0.9% of 11–16 year olds in England, Scotland and Wales identified as ‘problem gamblers’ and 2.4% classified as at risk gamblers.

Real story

S’s story

“I felt weird doing it”

“I do have a friend that seems to be very lucky with winning highly valuable skins, making lots of profit. I’ve seen other friends though, throw away money that could be much better spent on things that provide better pleasure such as hobbies.”

Read S’s story

The warning signs in young people

Worried that you, or someone you know, may be struggling with gambling? These are some of the common warning signs:

Changes in behaviour (might be distracted, moody, sad, worried, anxious)
Becoming secretive or lying
Missing school, not submitting homework, dropping grades
Unexplained time away from home, withdrawal from friends and family
Less involvement with usual activities and hobbies
Keen interest in gambling conversations
Playing gambling-type games online
Asking for/borrowing money from family or friends
Unexplained debts or extra cash/possessions
Feeling anxious, depressed, or worried about gambling

Recognise these signs?

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, see our top tips for staying safe below. You can also contact our Young People Service for advice and help here.

Are you Worried

about someone you care about?

Often the person who’s gambling doesn’t think that they’re in trouble. Sometimes family and friends will spot the problem first, because the gambler might be convinced that everything is fine, when really it isn’t.

How to stay safe when gambling

If you do gamble (when and where it’s legal for you to do so), there are some top tips which can help you stay safe.

Tips for safer gambling

Set a money limit and stick to it
Have a look at your finances and see how much you could spend without jeopardising other responsibilities.
Set a time limit and stick to it
Decide on a time when you will leave the venue or website, to help you stick to your budget.
Expect to lose, and treat any winnings as a bonus
Treat gambling just like going to a concert or going out to eat: don’t expect to get your money back at the end.
Have other hobbies and interests
Make sure that you keep up with other activities, so that gambling doesn’t become your main pastime.
Be open and honest about your gambling
If you find yourself struggling to be honest about what you’ve spent or how you’re spending your time, consider getting some help.
Understand the game, odds and house edge
Check out our jargon buster which explains the words and phrases used in gambling – knowledge is power!
Only use cash
This is a great way to stay on budget.
Quit when you are ahead
Don’t assume you are on a lucky streak and keep gambling.

What could be harmful

Don’t gamble alone
Having someone to look out for you is a great idea.
Never borrow money to gamble
You may not be able to pay it back. And if you lend someone money, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it back.
Don’t develop strategies to win games
By definition, gambling means there’s always a chance you could lose more money.
Never try to win back money you have lost
This might seem like a good idea, but can be a slippery slope.
Don’t keep playing until you get lucky
By then it might be too late.
Never believe you will win
Confidence is key with lots of things in life, but not with gambling. It’s safer to assume you will lose.
Avoid gambling for a long time without a break
Ensure you take a breather.
Don’t gamble as a way to cope with bad feelings
Gambling when you’re feeling low might seem like a distraction, but might make things worse in the long run.

Want to know more about gambling?
Check out some other topics

Gambling explained

Gambling and mental health

Worried about someone?