Survey: Rising Interest in Sports Betting Among B.C. Youth Aged 12–18

• McCreary Centre Society releases results of 2023 B.C. Adolescent Health Survey
• More youth on sports betting platforms
• 12% of youth reported that they needed help for their gaming

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A recent study conducted in British Columbia sheds light on the concerning effects of gambling and gaming for money among young people aged 12 to 18. Discover more about [N/A – Quick Run]. A recent study conducted in British Columbia sheds light on the concerning effects of gambling and gaming for money among young people aged 12 to 18. This demographic is increasingly participating in high-stakes activities, including the rise of online sports betting, which is raising significant alarms for their mental health and societal engagement.

34% of Youth Engaged in Gaming or Gambling

The McCreary Centre Society’s 2023 BC Adolescent Health Survey reveals that 34% of youths from 59 out of the province’s 60 school districts have participated in online gaming or gambling for real money in the past year.

Legally, individuals must be at least 19 years old to gamble in B.C. The survey shows that males are more inclined to engage in various forms of gambling activities, including:

• Buying in-game items
• Participating in video game tournaments
• Streaming video games
• Purchasing lottery tickets or scratch cards
• Playing cards or dice, both in-person and online
• Betting on sports, in-person and online

Sports Betting on the Increase

Conducted every five years, the survey indicates a dramatic uptick in youth participation in gambling activities. Particularly, the purchase of virtual items in video games (like loot boxes) emerged as the most popular gambling activity. Reports show that:

• The percentage of youth engaging in online card or dice games rose from 2% in 2018 to 5% in 2023.
• The fraction of those betting on sports online doubled, with 13% engaging in daily online sports betting.

Gambling for Money on a Weekly Basis

Interestingly, fewer young people are buying lottery tickets, with participation dropping to less than half of what it was a decade ago, signalling a shift in gambling behaviours.

Only 4% reported gambling for money on a weekly basis. Risk factors contributing to this behaviour include:

• Living in poverty
• Challenging home environments
• Feelings of loneliness or being bullied
• Building connections with online friends through gaming and gambling

12% of Youth Said They Need Help

Persistent gambling and gaming can lead to serious issues like disrupted sleep patterns, unhealthy eating habits (often substituting meals with energy drinks), and academic difficulties, exacerbating mental health issues such as low self-esteem and depression.

In the past year, 12% of youths indicated they sought help for their gambling habits. Research suggests that those who maintain strong family connections are less likely to engage in gambling activities.

The BCLC’s PlayNow online platform is currently the only legal avenue for gambling in B.C., yet about 76% of youths reported participating in unregulated gambling platforms, signalling a pressing need for better oversight.

Parental Involvement

BCLC has measures in place to prevent underage gambling by verifying the ages of individuals trying to access its platforms and requiring identification at all casino entries. McCarthy from BCLC noted that it is crucial for families to discuss gambling concepts such as randomness and odds as children encounter these through video games and sports events.

He urged parents to advocate for safer gambling behaviours by setting limits on both time and spending, emphasising that understanding gambling is essential for preventing future gambling-related problems.

In conclusion, while the engagement of youth in gambling and gaming is rising, it is crucial to promote awareness and reinforce the importance of responsible gaming habits. Through collaboration between families and educational resources, we can better safeguard the future of our youth.

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