Australian kids are gambling long before they turn 18
A significant number of Australian teenagers are engaging in gambling activities before reaching the legal age of 18. Reports indicate that approximately 34 percent of teenagers gamble, with many using apps and websites that are easily accessible. Educators are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of gambling discussions and activities among students in schools.
- ▪Almost 34 percent of all teenagers in Australia gamble.
- ▪One in three 12 to 17 year olds gamble, amounting to about 600,000 teenagers.
- ▪Secondary school teachers have reported witnessing students discussing and placing bets during class.
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Dylan downloaded his first gambling app at 15By Anastasia Safioleas for Shaun Micallef's Going For BrokeTopic:GamblingWed 27 May 2026 at 1:33pmWed 27 May 2026 at 1:33pmWed 27 May 2026 at 1:33pmAlmost 34 per cent of all teenagers in Australia gamble. (Getty Images/BFG Images)abc.net.au/news/underage-gambling/106649686Link copiedShareShare articleWarning: This story contains discussion of addictionDylan* was 15 years old when he gambled and lost his birthday money on an online game.The app — which he had downloaded onto a school iPad, the type reserved for online learning in the classroom — was a puzzle game that relied on chance instead of logic and used crypto as betting currency."I lost the whole $100 and I remember I was pretty devastated," says the now 24-year-old from Victoria.Stream…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).