Parents’ Influence on Teenage Gambling

A recent Australian study has highlighted something many parents may not have

considered. One of the strongest influences on whether teenagers gamble isn't just

advertising or peer pressure. It's what happens at home.

This topic is one I care deeply about, not only as a provisional psychologist, but also as a

researcher. I was fortunate to be part of the team that co-authored a recent study examining

the role of parents in adolescent gambling. Seeing our findings featured in the media has been a great opportunity to start an important conversation about the role parents can play, not only in increasing risk, but also in protecting young people from gambling-related harm.

Gambling: a part of Australian culture

Australia has one of the highest gambling losses per person in the world. Compared

with many countries that have stricter regulations around gambling advertising and

accessibility, gambling has become deeply embedded in Australian culture. Whether it's sports betting, pokies, Lotto, Melbourne Cup sweeps or online, many young people grow up

seeing gambling as a normal part of everyday life.

In some families, introducing teenagers to gambling is even viewed as a coming-of-age

experience. This might include letting them place a small bet on a sporting event or taking

them to the races. These moments are often intended as harmless fun or a way of bonding.

However, our research suggests they can unintentionally communicate that gambling is a

normal and expected part of becoming an adult.

Our influence starts earlier than we think

Parents often worry about peer pressure, social media and advertising. While these

certainly play a role, children are also constantly learning from us. They notice what we

celebrate, what we spend our money on, how we respond to winning and losing, and what we consider to be normal. This isn't about blame. Most parents aren't intentionally encouraging gambling. The important message is simply that children are paying attention.

Our research also suggested that a parent-adolescent relationship characterised by warmth,

connection may be an important protective factor against teenagers turning to gambling for

escapism. Adolescence is a time when young people are seeking greater independence, but

the quality of the parent-child relationship continues to matter. Feeling heard, supported and connected can provide a strong foundation for navigating the many influences young people encounter, including gambling.

I see these findings as hopeful. Parents have far more influence than they often realise. We

can create homes where our young people feel connected, informed and equipped to make

thoughtful decisions.

What can parents do?

• Be mindful of how often children see and learn about gambling from us.

• Avoid involving children in gambling activities, even if it's just for fun.

• Talk openly about how gambling companies are designed to make money, rather than

how people make money from gambling.

• Continue investing in a relationship characterised by warmth, connection and open

communication with our teenagers.

• Be intentional and conscious of celebrating coming of age with healthy and positive

activities.

By Mary-Cait Hunter

References

1. Dittman, C. K., Hunter, M. C., Gossner, M., Hing, N., Rockloff, M., Browne, M., ... &

Russell, A. M. (2026). The Role of Parents in Adolescent Gambling Participation and

Gambling Problems. Journal of Gambling Studies, 1–27.