Gambling is strictly regulated by age in all Australian jurisdictions.  A person must be 18 years of age to gamble in hotels, clubs or casinos or to buy lottery products. 

Research shows however, that with the increased popularity of poker, the interest in sports betting, gambling on the Internet and other unregulated gambling activities, young people are learning about gambling at an early age.

In Australia, a number of state governments have responded to this issue by developing gambling education programs designed for school-aged students.  These programs have varied outcomes but aim to educate young people about the risks and potential problems associated with gambling, and support students in making informed choices.  The programs examine the myths, odds, beliefs and superstitions surrounding gambling and also provide advice on where to go for help if gambling is a problem.

For further information on gambling education in your state, click on the links below.

Queensland:

Responsible Gambling Teaching Kit

Victoria:

Gpack- Young People Gambling and Problem Gambling Resource Kit

Problem gambling: a guide for Victorian schools

Consumer Affairs Victoria have released a Responsible Gambling Resource Book aimed at helping young people build resilience around gambling and its impacts as well as developing responsible behaviours and attitudes.  It can be accessed by clicking on the link below:

Responsible Gambling Resource Book for Teachers

Tasmania:

What's the Real Deal? Responsible Gambling Education Kit

Interactive Websites

Gambling Calculating the Risks

Gambling Hangover website

This interactive site from Canada is designed to teach young people about gambling-related harm.

AGC Resources

The AGC has produced an education package for teachers entitled Australia's Gambling Industry: A Curriculum Resource.  This pack contains teacher's notes, fact sheets and a copy of the Database on Australia's Gambling Industry 2008/09 on CD-ROM.  If you are interested in ordering a copy please complete the order form found here and return it to the AGC.

Other Resources

Coming Soon

Further Information

For articles, research reports and other documents on young people and gambling please search our eLibrary.

For further information on responsible gambling, including links to gambling support and counselling services, please click here.