Grim new statistics: How gambling hurts your kids

Aussie parents are being urged to consider the impact of gambling on their kids following the release of grim new statistics.

A new gambling campaign asks NSW parents if they are aware their children may be gambling and to consider the long term impacts.

The new series of radio and TV ads, launched by the NSW Government on Wednesday, shows the potential for young people to gamble via video games.

Parents are encouraged to check if the games their children are playing contain gambling elements and to be aware.

A recent government study found close to 30 per cent of 12-17 year olds said they had gambled in some form in the past year and 40 per cent played video games which include gambling.

Close to 40 per cent of 12-17 year olds played video games with elements of gambling. Picture: NSW Government

The study also found four out of five people agreed Aussie kids are being exposed to too much gambling advertising and that it had an impact on children’s future “participation, intentions and problems” with gambling.

The ads also focus on the potential effects of gambling on jobs and relationships, while promoting a new website, GambleAware, which offers resources to manage gambling such as exclusion options.

“We know that people at risk of gambling harm can face difficulties in their personal relationships and at work, with issues such as absences, lateness or lack of concentration,” NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said.

The majority of money spent on gambling in NSW is by those considered ‘at risk of harm’. Picture: NSW Government

Australians lose more on gambling per capita than any other country, and the majority of expenditure in NSW is by those considered to be at risk of harm

The “at risk” cohort makes up just one in ten of all gamblers in the state, but accounts for 70 per cent of expenditure.

The campaign questions the impact of gambling on work and relationships. Picture: NSW Government

“We know that many people can gamble safely and don’t experience difficulties, however, some people can develop serious harms that can have devastating impacts for them and their families,” Director of the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling Natalie Wright said.

“We want people to know they don’t need to suffer in silence, as there is a wide range of innovative support and treatment options available through GambleAware.”