Building Awareness: Supporting Youth Against Gambling Risks

iYouth recently welcomed Shuv Homsi for an important and timely discussion on the growing impact of gambling on young people and the importance of prevention through education.

Shuv Homsi is a qualified drug and alcohol counsellor, addiction specialist, and clinical supervisor registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). With extensive experience in addiction recovery, mental health treatment, family support, and counselling services, Shuv has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families rebuild their lives through compassionate and evidence-based care.

During the session, Shuv spoke openly with young people about the realities of gambling harm, how gambling habits can develop at an early age, and the increasing challenges facing young Australians in a world where gambling is becoming more visible and accessible than ever before.

Reflecting on the evening, Shuv shared:

It was great to see such a big turnout of youth eager to learn, ask questions, and gain tools to make healthier choices for their future. These conversations matter. Prevention starts with education."

The discussion highlighted a growing concern across Australia. Research shows that almost 30% of young people aged 12 to 17 have participated in gambling within the past year, while around 40% have played games containing gambling-like features. Studies have also found that many young people are first exposed to gambling-related behaviours between the ages of 11 and 12.

While gambling is often associated with casinos, betting agencies, or poker machines, young people today can also encounter gambling-style experiences through mobile games, online platforms, loot boxes, sports betting culture, and social media content. These seemingly harmless forms of entertainment can normalise gambling behaviours and increase the risk of future gambling-related harm. Research has shown a significant increase in gambling participation once young people reach adulthood, with rates rising to almost half of Australians aged 18 to 19.

Throughout the session, participants were encouraged to ask questions, share their perspectives, and learn practical strategies to make informed decisions. The strong turnout and engagement reflected the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can openly discuss real-world challenges and gain the knowledge needed to navigate them confidently.

At GTCF and iYouth, we remain committed to supporting the wellbeing of young people through meaningful programs that address contemporary issues facing our community. By bringing experienced professionals such as Shuv Homsi into these conversations, we aim to equip young people with the awareness, resilience, and confidence needed to make healthier choices for their future.

We thank Shuv Homsi for sharing his expertise and for continuing to invest in the development and wellbeing of our youth.