COMMUNITY groups are sounding the alarm on a troubling rise in gambling among children and teens in the Coffs Harbour region, and they’re calling on parents to get informed – fast.
The Gambling Harm Program at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, in partnership with GambleAware Mid and Northern NSW, is hosting a free workshop to help parents and carers understand the risks of gambling in young people and how to tackle it at home.
“We’re hearing from teachers and community workers who are seeing gambling behaviours in children as young as 10,” said Leigh Watson, coordinator of the Gambling Harm Program.
“Some kids are even gambling during school hours; in class, or in the playground.”
And it is not just anecdotal.
A NSW Youth Gambling study from 2020 found nearly 30 percent of NSW kids aged 12 to 17 had gambled in the past year, with nearly four percent showing signs of gambling harm.
Ms Watson said the line between gaming and gambling is becoming increasingly blurred.
“Video games now include gambling-like features such as loot boxes and in-game betting,” she said. “And kids are constantly bombarded with gambling ads — it’s absolutely everywhere, from sports to social media.”
Another key concern is adult influence.
“Kids learn by watching. If parents gamble, or even just talk about it as harmless fun, it normalises the behaviour,” Ms Watson said.
“Given how high adult gambling rates are in our region, it’s no surprise we’re seeing it mirrored in young people.”
Recent figures from Liquor and Gaming NSW revealed that clubs and hotels on the Mid North Coast pocketed a staggering $76.1 million in poker machine profits in just three months — with $19.1 million coming from Coffs Harbour alone.
“To combat the increase in gambling behaviours amongst young people, we’re inviting local parents to a free workshop with GambleAware Mid and Northern NSW.
“They’ll learn how to spot the warning signs, how to talk to their kids about gambling, and where to turn for help.”
The free workshop will be held on Wednesday, 21 May from 10am to 12pm at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.
To book, call 6648 3663 or email leigh.watson@chnc.com.au.
