Sports betting is becoming a significant contributor to increased gambling harm.

More young South Australians are betting on sports due to easier access through smart phones and the increase in advertising by sports betting companies that promote gambling as fun, an easy way to make quick cash, and a normal part of watching the game.

Friends and peers strongly influence young people’s gambling habits.

Research shows that friends often use social media to discuss odds, share tips with each other for ‘good’ bets, and encourage each other to bet more generally.

Problems arise when the conversation becomes focused on sharing wins, rather than losses. As a result, gamblers do not necessarily have a good understanding of how often or how much their friends are winning or losing.

Find out more about Here for the Game, an initiative to disrupt the acceptance of betting as a normal part of watching sports.

If you are worried about a young person’s gambling or your own, go to Get Help.