Gambling prevention in schools: A focus group study

Gambling problems are an evolving issue with students and youth. Many new forms of gambling

such as online gambling, esports betting, and skins trading have changed the landscape

of how students gamble. Students who participate in gambling-like activities have a higher

chance of developing gambling problems later in life than those who are not exposed to these

activities at a young age. School-based prevention programs for gambling have the potential

to reach young people who are susceptible to gambling problems. This qualitative focus

group study aimed to inform future gambling prevention programming in schools.

Methods: This study used a client centered approach using focus groups with adults who

currently experience problems with gambling. Problematic forms of gambling, online gambling,

and the convergence between video gaming and gambling was explored. Transcript

data was analysed using Braun & Clarke (2006) thematic analysis. Results: Strategies for

prevention and intervention of problem gambling for students are discussed under two main

themes: 1) youth-related interventions and 2) gambling-related messaging. Recommendations

made by the participants will be discussed. Discussion and Conclusions: Findings uncovered

in this study can be applied immediately to gambling prevention interventions in

schools. Further government-related concerns raised in this study call for accountability for

student protection, especially in the climate of increased convergence between gambling and

video gaming.