Adolescents’ reasons for not engaging in gambling

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Author(s): Hing, Nerilee ; Thorne, Hannah B. ; Lole, Lisa ; Sproston, Kerry ; Hodge, Nicole ; Rockloff, Matthew J.

Journal: BMC Public Health

Year Published: 2024

Date Added: September 27, 2024

Not gambling when underage reduces the risk of harmful gambling later in life. Little research has examined why many young people refrain from gambling. This knowledge can inform protective strategies. In this study, 14 Australian adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old engaged in one-on-one interviews or an online community. The interviews and online community explored gambling-related experiences when growing up. The researchers identify many reasons for not gambling. These reasons included a lack of interest, being below the legal gambling age, having other hobbies, and discouragement from family and peers. This study shows how parental, peer, environmental, and individual factors work together to deter young people from gambling.

Citation: Hing, N., Thorne, H., Lole, L., Sproston, K., Hodge, N., & Rockloff, M. (2024). ‘Getting addicted to it and losing a lot of money… it’s just like a hole.’ A grounded theory model of how social determinants shape adolescents’ choices to not gamble. BMC Public Health, 24, 1270. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18286-3

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18286-3

Keywords: adolescents ; gambling ; grounded theory ; protective factors ; qualitative methods ; social determinants of health ; youth

Topics: Children and Youth ; Information for Treatment Providers ; Prevention ; Priority Populations

Conceptual Framework Factors: Social - Social Demographics ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Social Factors

Study Design: Qualitative: Grounded Theory

Geographic Coverage: Australia, New South Wales

Study Population: 14 underage adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17.

Sampling Procedure: Parents and guardians in the recruitment agency’s database were the initial point of contact for the recruitment of the adolescents.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the NSW Government’s Responsible Gambling Fund, with support from the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling.