Report
Lived experiences of gambling in teenage boys and young men: Qualitative research
Qualitative research to explore the lived experiences of teenage boys and young men aged 14 to 25 years.
Contents
- About the research
- Summary of findings
- Research approach
- Findings
-
- Gambling literacy is low and often surface-level
- Gaming as a potential entry point to gambling
- Turning 18 marks a formal transition to "adult" gambling
- Gambling embedded in social life is more likely to persist
- Money matters more with age and experience
- Online exposure makes gambling feel ever-present
- Risks, impacts, and warning signs
- Conclusions
- Appendix
4 - Gambling embedded in social life is more likely to persist
Social bonding makes gambling feel embedded in everyday life
Participant accounts suggest gambling that takes place in social settings, particularly within friendship groups, is often seen as part of shared leisure time. Betting together, comparing outcomes, and reacting collectively builds a sense of connection that encourages participation. Often the bet itself is not the point, but rather the shared enjoyment of celebrating wins, teasing over losses, and feeling like a part of a group.
For many of the sample, gambling sits alongside other group activities such as watching sport, gaming, socialising, or some combination of these. It adds a layer of excitement and competition to time spent with friends. That shared buzz and banter can make gambling feel light-hearted, reinforcing closeness within friendship groups.
"[It] brings us together – it may not be necessarily that … the arcade games are fun, it’s the spending time with each other."
16 year old, higher gambling activity
Losing small amounts of money is often viewed as the price of joining in; part of the experience of belonging to the group.
"The football league has just started, so I’m going to see my money going down the pit soon, unfortunately."
18 year old, lower gambling activity
Sports betting as an extension of fandom
Among those aged 18 years old and over, sports betting shows the clearest overlap between gambling and social life. It builds on an existing interest in sport and provides something to share and talk about within friendship circles.
"It gives you something to talk about with your friends, you know. Everyone says to each other like, ‘what have you put on for the weekend? What have you put on for Saturday’s games?’"
22 year old, higher gambling activity
Placing a bet becomes part of the shared experience of following sport, adding another reason to stay engaged with each match. The activity’s ease of access through apps and group chats helps it become a familiar part of weekly routines.
Gambling that strengthens connection tends to endure
The gambling activities that persist over time are typically those that reinforce existing social ties. Online sports betting, in particular, continues to appeal because it is:
- easy to take part in and discuss with friends
- linked to ongoing interests such as football
- integrated into group rituals and conversations.
By contrast, activities that are more solitary - such as remote casino play - tend to lose their appeal more quickly once the initial curiosity fades.
These shared moments of laughter, anticipation, and collective highs and lows all build towards creating gambling experiences that, for many, feel enjoyable and safe.
When social play turns individual
A few participants described a shift from group-based gambling to gambling alone, often linked to losing streaks or a decline in enjoyment. This change was recognised as an early warning sign that gambling might be becoming more problematic.
Gambling that remains social is described as light-hearted and contained. Once it moves into private, repetitive play, it can take on a different emotional tone, less about connection, and more about chasing outcomes.
"I’d say friends [were influencing me to gamble more]... it was just more of a social thing that we did together... It became like a really frequent thing when I was at uni and I was staying in my room... we used to do it together, which was obviously a lot of fun, but also we were definitely a bad influence on each other. Coupled with it being lockdown … that sort of laid the foundations for an unhealthy habit."
23 year old, lower gambling activity
Turning 18 marks a formal transition to "adult" gambling Next section
Money matters more with age and experience
Last updated: 11 December 2025
Show updates to this content
No changes to show.