How parents and carers can break the cycle of intergenerational gambling harm
By Dr Anastasia Hronis (clinical psychologist)
Our kids are always watching us, even if we don't realise it. Our behaviours and attitudes are constantly shaping the way they think and act – especially when it comes to gambling. Whether it's using betting apps during sports games or visiting casinos, children are often exposed to these behaviours without us fully understanding the impact that it can have on them.
The good news is, simply being aware of how your gambling behaviour influences your children is the best way you can help prevent them from developing unhealthy habits in the future.
Gambling sends a powerful message
Children learn from watching the adults around them, and parental gambling sends a powerful message. Studies reveal that two-thirds of parents who gamble, do so with their children present.
Having children see the adults around them gamble, can shape their perceptions of gambling, making it seem normal and risk-free. However, research shows that early exposure to gambling, can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing gambling problems later in life.
Gambling and the adolescent brain
The adolescent brain is very sensitive to gambling during its development. During this stage, the brain is more focused on seeking out excitement and taking risks, without thinking about the long-term effects. This can make the idea of winning quickly through gambling very appealing to young people.
Strategies for parents to break the cycle
Parents and family members can play a crucial role in preventing gambling issues from developing in their children and shaping their child’s attitudes towards gambling.
1. Avoid gambling around children
Be mindful about when and how you gamble in front of your kids and limit their exposure to your gambling. This includes both in-person gambling and online gambling. Also avoid involving them in gambling activities, such as picking lottery numbers, scratching scratchies, placing bets on your behalf, or checking the sports results for your bets. While these may seem like low-risk activities, they can normalise gambling behaviours to children.
Be aware of indirect exposure too. This might include leaving betting apps open on your phone or computer or leaving betting slips or lottery tickets lying around. It’s also important to be mindful of how you celebrate milestones like an 18th birthday. While it might seem like a fun way to mark adulthood by take your child to play pokies or visit a casino, this can reinforce the idea that gambling is a normal, risk free, or desirable activity.
2. Be mindful of the way you talk about gambling around kids
The way you talk about gambling around your kids can be just as influential as your actions. This might include conversations about wins or losses, predictions about sports games and discussing odds. Conversations about wins can be especially problematic. They might focus on the excitement and financial gains, without mentioning the more common losses. This can give children an unrealistic and overly positive view of gambling.
On the flip side, talking about losses might make children anxious about family finances or lead them to see gambling as a solution to financial problems. Discussing odds or making predictions about sports games can make gambling seem like a skill-based activity, potentially encouraging children to believe they can ‘beat the system’. Children might pick up on the emotions associated with gambling discussions, such as excitement, stress, or disappointment, which can shape their overall perceptions of gambling.
3. Talk to your kids about the risks of gambling
Research tells us that parents tend to be less concerned about underage gambling and therefore less likely to have conversations with their children about it compared to other issues like drugs and alcohol. It’s important to help kids understand that gambling comes with risks, and that they are more likely to lose money than win. Remember that even if you don’t gamble in front of your kids, our kids are exposed to gambling advertising that normalises betting. Casual situations are a good opportunity to talk to kids about gambling and the risks associated with it, like car journeys or watching a footy match.
You bet your kids are watching – new Love the Game campaign
In 2025, the Love the Game, Not the Odds sporting club program is asking parents and carers to think before they gamble around their kids.
The ‘You bet your kids are watching’ campaign aims to raise awareness among parents about how kids are influenced by their gambling and how they can take positive steps to keep kids safe.
Love the Game is Australia’s largest and longest running initiative to combat the normalisation of sports gambling. With 700+ partners, the program aims to reduce the exposure of young people to sports betting promotions and equip them with the skills to think critically about the risks associated with gambling.
To learn more, visit the Love the Game website: You bet your kids are watching.
Seeking help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, support is available. Gambler’s Help offers free, confidential assistance 24/7 through its helpline at 1800 858 858 or online at www.gamblershelp.com.au