Gambling and young people

Learn to spot the warning signs. Stop gambling harm before it starts.

Is gambling getting to a young person you care about?

Kia ora! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about how gambling could be affecting the young person you care about.

Gambling harm isn’t always obvious at first and can be hidden from view. Learn about the warning signs, get ideas on how to start difficult conversations, and find help before harm takes hold.

Spot the warning signs

Are you noticing they’re:

  • always asking to borrow money?
  • always holed up in their room?
  • more focused on betting than enjoying the game?
  • always talking about gambling?
  • losing interest in other activities?
  • becoming secretive over money?

Time to have a chat? Here are some ideas to help you start the conversation / kōrero.

Sharing and talking

Watch the campaign video

Get Support

Find out more about warning signs and what you can do.

Know the signs

Get support from a local support service.

Services near you

More on youth gambling from our partners

PGF Services have tips to help with conversations about gambling.

Talking to young people/rangatahi about gambling

‘Are you being played?’ is a campaign for young people focused on sports betting.

PGF Services - Are you being played?


Is it gaming or gambling?

The line between gaming and gambling can be blurry. Learn how you can help your young person understand the difference.

Gaming vs gambling

PGF Services has tips and information on gaming and gambling.

Gaming and gambling factsheet

Tūturu have gaming and gambling resources for use in education settings.

Gaming and gambling resource toolkit


Related information

Check out these other pages for safer gambling support and guidance.


Shielded site

You can use Safer Gambling even if you don't have mobile data. Go to zero.govt.nz on your phone and select 'Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora'.