Talk with others about sports betting

It seems you can’t watch sports nowadays without seeing ads, signs and online promotions tempting you to place a bet. The ads make sports betting seem attractive, easy and risk free – like  a normal, fun thing to do.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to these messages. It can be hard to resist sports betting when it seems like everyone’s doing it and you want to fit in.

With easy access to online betting 24/7 and ads giving the impression there’s nothing to lose, young people are also at greater risk of gambling-related harm. They’re less likely to be aware of gambling-related risks, what gambling harm looks like and to know when to stop gambling.

You can help:

• counteract these messages by talking with them openly and honestly about the risks of harm
• guide them to make informed choices and develop a healthy perspective on sports betting.

Use these ideas to start a conversation and encourage your friends and family to forget the bet and enjoy the game for its own thrills, without the distractions of sports betting.

Before you talk

Take a moment to reflect on your own gambling behaviour and opinions and how your gambling habits might be influencing the young people close to you. Your words and actions can significantly impact their lifelong relationship with gambling.

Prepare for any questions about your gambling behaviour.

Be armed with the facts:

• Educate yourself about the risks and odds of sports betting.
• Develop an understanding of the advertising and promotional tactics betting companies use.

Use these suggestions for important discussion points to include:

• There's no such thing as a sure bet—it’s impossible to identify all the factors that will influence the outcome of a game, no matter how much you know about the teams.
• Advertisers use incentives and promises (like ‘cash-back’ and ‘bonus-bet’ offers) to make betting appear less risky than it is—these types of marketing tactics tempt you to bet often and spend lots of money.
• Betting is designed so that companies profit from gambling—it’s big business and the system is always stacked against the bettor.

Read more about the risks and signs of unsafe sports betting and how to make a ‘Forget the bet’ game plan to stay safe and in control.

How to pitch the talk

When discussing sports betting with young people, they’re more likely to be receptive if you:

• choose a relaxed time to chat—e.g. while driving to sports practice or watching a game
• keep the chat casual and non-confrontational
• use humour to keep it interesting and light-hearted
• openly share your personal experiences with gambling, including your own risks and safety measures
• tailor your message to their sporting interests and experiences
• have multiple short chats rather than giving them a long lecture.

Remember to actively listen to them during the conversation—that’ll make them feel heard and know that their opinions are valued.

Conversation kick-starters

You could use these questions to kickstart meaningful conversations:

• I’ve noticed a lot of sports betting ads on TV (or at the stadium or online)—what do you think about them?
• What do you think about sports betting—do you think it would be easy to get into trouble?
• Sports betting ads try to make the game seem more fun if you’re betting—what’s your opinion?
• All these gambling ads make sports betting seem a normal part of watching the game—do you think it’s normal?
• Have your friends ever placed a bet on sports—what do you think about it?

Protecting under 18s from the temptation of sports betting

Young people's attitudes towards betting start developing at an early age. It's important to talk to your kids now (before they're old enough to bet) about how gambling really works and who really benefits.

It’s illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble, but they might still see sports betting as fun, exciting, and a normal part of being a sports fan.

Use these strategies to help protect the wellbeing of minors:

• Discuss how advertisers tempt you into gambling.
• Teach them about safe gambling while playing games that include simulated gambling elements.
• Be aware that some online games they play can include features that seem like gambling.
• Set clear rules for going online and keep devices visible in a shared space.
• Manage access to money and discuss online spending.
• Adjust online security and ad settings to reduce their exposure to gambling-related content.

Where to get help

If you think you or someone you care about is at risk of gambling-related harm, reach out to Gambling Help Queensland for free and confidential advice and support.

Find out more about counselling, support and advice.

More information

• Learn how to spot gambling harm and when people are at risk.
• Read more about the link between video gaming and gambling.