This study sought to understand the lived experiences of sports betting harm among young people. The study examined the barriers and catalysts for making change, as well as the change strategies used. The researchers interviewed 50 Australian young adults aged 18–25 years who reported sports betting harm. Financial harm was the most frequently reported harm, followed by emotional harm. Participants also described harm to work and study, relationship harm, and harm to physical health. Barriers to making change included not being ready for change, not feeling that a change was needed, and confidence in beating the system. Catalysts for change included fear of addiction, realizing the extent of losses, and reaching a crisis point. Participants used various change strategies, with self-help strategies such as setting deposit limits the most common.
