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
1 - Gambling literacy is low and often surface-level
Across the sample, most participants felt confident that they understood how gambling works; yet when asked to explain odds, chance, or probability in detail, their understanding often broke down. While self-reported knowledge was high, actual comprehension tended to be limited to surface-level cues or simplified explanations provided by gambling operators. This partial literacy leaves some young men over-confident in their ability to “beat the system” or make rational choices when gambling.
Confidence exceeds comprehension
Young men tended to describe themselves as knowing “how it works,” particularly those who bet on sports. However, when asked to explain odds, most struggled to go beyond superficial descriptions. Some younger participants admitted to having “no clue,” while others referenced simplified explanations seen in betting apps or promotions. Misconceptions included overestimating chances of winning, perceived higher likelihood of winning when gambling in real life settings, and notions of being particularly “lucky” compared to peers.
"In terms of how odds work, absolutely no clue."
21 year old, lower gambling activity
"How odds work? I remember seeing like ads popping up and I would just see like if every five pounds you put on, you’ll get fifty back or something like that."
16 year old, higher gambling activity
"My luck was very good… I got more than my friends even though I spent less."
17 year old, lower gambling activity
Learning through experience and exposure
Very few participants recalled formal education about gambling. Instead, learning tended to occur informally - from family or friends, social media tipsters, and lived experience of wins and losses. Some referenced betting companies’ simplified percentage displays or “boosted odds” as the main ways they had learned to interpret value.
These sources of knowledge provided a sense of confidence and control, but rarely translated into accurate understanding. Participants often relied on intuition, perceived skill, or repetition rather than true probability.
Partial literacy creates misplaced confidence
Even with limited understanding, participants frequently believed they could make informed or strategic decisions. Sports knowledge, familiarity with teams, and exposure to tipsters gave many the sense that outcomes could be influenced by insight or research.
This belief in personal skill muddied the area between luck and control - particularly in sports betting, where participants felt their existing interest gave them an advantage.
Next sectionGaming as a potential entry point to gambling
Last updated: 11 December 2025
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