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
Participant discussion topics
Participant Field Notes (Self-Ethnography)
To capture participants’ everyday experiences and reflections on gambling and gambling-like activities, we set a series of short digital diary tasks.
Key areas covered:
- Day 1: Getting to know you
- everyday life, interests, and social circles
- where and how participants spend time (online or offline)
- early perceptions of gambling and what the term means to them.
- Day 2: Activities you spend time on
- gambling and gambling-like activities tried in the past or present
- frequency, social context, and motivations for participation
- feelings, enjoyment, and any dislikes or downsides.
- Day 3: What you see and hear
- exposure to gambling cues in everyday life
- online exposure
- participants’ interpretations and emotional responses to gambling-related content.
- Day 4: Pros and cons
- perceived positives of gambling and gambling-like activities
- perceived negatives
- reflections on personal experiences and observations of others
- early sense of risks, limits, and self-awareness.
In-Depth Interviews
Interviews built on themes and ideas raised in Field Notes, exploring participants’ personal histories, perceptions, and emotions related to gambling and gambling-like activities.
Key areas covered:
- Introductions and warm-up
- reconnecting with the participant and setting a comfortable tone
- reflection on the diary experience and initial thoughts about gambling.
- Experiences of gambling and gambling-like activities
- exploration of key activities (timeline from first experience to present)
- emotional and social context: why, with whom, and how it felt
- shifts in engagement or motivation over time
- links to life stages, gaming, sport, or social environments
- emotional highs and lows: excitement, regret, or loss of control
- perceived impacts on mood, wellbeing, relationships, time or money
- influences from friends, family, online spaces and advertising
- gender norms and perceptions of gambling as a 'masculine' activity.
- Protecting boys and young men
- awareness and understanding of gambling risks and odds
- perspectives on responsibility and prevention (schools, platforms, government)
- responses to stimulus statements about potential protections
- ideas for education, limits, or regulation to reduce harm.
- Wrap-up
- final reflections, surprises, or messages for the Gambling Commission
- wellbeing check and signposting support if needed.
Definitions Next section
Expert discussion topics
Last updated: 11 December 2025
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