Gambling-Related Mental Health Challenges in Young Adults and Public Health Interventions in Australia

Introduction

Gambling has increasingly been recognised as a significant public health concern, which is not only linked to financial losses but also psychological health damage (Browne et al., 2022). Internet betting or sports betting has contributed to a dramatic rise in gambling among young adults in the 18- to 29-year-old age group (Wardle et al., 2020). Young adults are viewed as a vulnerable group in Australia since they tend to do more risky types of gambling than older adults (Productivity Commission, 2021). Research consistently shows that gambling harms in this age group are strongly associated with depression, substance abuse, stress, anxiety, and suicidal behaviour (Merkouris et al., 2021). In this report, I will critically examine the gambling-related mental health problems of young adults and comment on some public health interventions, such as harm reduction, stigma reduction, and community-based prevention programs (Clune et al., 2024; Hing et al., 2021; Li et al., 2021).

Rationale

Gambling is becoming more and more recognized as a health concern of more than financial implications, but also as a source of serious social, relationship, and mental health damages (Browne et al., 2022). The problem of the prevention paradox (the majority of the damage within a population is caused by members who do not indicate clinical levels of problem gambling) indicates the necessity of the wide-ranging prevention strategies other than concentrating only on serious ones (Browne et al., 2022; Wardle et al., 2020). Gambling in Australia is an inseparable part of social and cultural life, and there is easy access to sports betting, electronic gaming machines, and online gambling, which preconditions a situation where they are especially exposed to damage (Productivity Commission, 2021). It is therefore of critical importance to address the harms of gambling in young adults to minimize both the personal suffering and the long-term health and social outcomes of the population.

The young adults aged 18 to 29 years old are at a high risk group because of their developmental, social, and economic conditions, which overlap with gambling behaviours. It is a stage of life, which is associated with the formation of identity, the independence of financial resources, and the expanded contact with the social surroundings, where gambling is legalised (Merkouris et al., 2021). It is indicated that young adults are predisposed to impulsive decision-making and risk-taking and thus prone to the temptation of sports betting online and the latest digital gambling products (Williams et al., 2021).

When it comes to gambling and mental health, the association between the two variables among young adults is multifaceted. Studies emphasize the importance of stigma as a hindrance to help-seeking, along with a contributor to worsening psychological distress in people who have suffered gambling-related harm (Hing et al., 2021). Stigma may also be manifested in the form of stereotypes describing problem gamblers as irresponsible, weak, or morally flawed, which translates into internalised shame and the unwillingness to seek professional support (Li et al., 2021). Recent literature also indicates that stigma not only exacerbates mental health issues but also restricts the usefulness of public health intervention since people may be reluctant to obtain the service because they fear being judged (Lloyd et al., 2025). The stigma is particularly a strong obstacle facing young adults who might already have trouble with self-esteem and societal demands, which makes gambling-related mental disorders especially severe.

Prevention and policy-wise, it is apparent that the young adults are the priority population when it comes to gambling harm. According to the Prevention and Promotion Plan of the National Mental Health Commission, young people are one of the most vulnerable populations that have to receive specific interventions because young people are more susceptible to mental health issues, and early prevention benefits them in the long term. The harm caused by gambling overlaps with multiple factors that elevate mental health risk, such as financial strain, relationship disruption, decreased schooling or work prospects, which are more commonly felt by younger people (Livingstone et al., 2021). By preventing gambling harms in young adults, the country can decrease the immediate and intergenerational effects of gambling harm within young adults and communities.

Several interventions have been considered to deal with gambling-related harms, and some of them are more effective than others. Gambling establishments have attempted to reduce harm through Gambling harm minimisation policies (e.g., the use of pre-commitment cards, slower machine spins, advertising limits, etc.), with unclear yet encouraging effects (Livingstone et al., 2021). The importance of community education and awareness initiatives to raise awareness about gambling harms and stigma reduction interventions is also significant in altering the perception and seeking help (Clune et al., 2024). It was indicated that population-level measures, as opposed to the use of individual treatment services alone, are essential to mitigate harm on the whole because the majority of those with gambling issues are not diagnosed or seek any other treatment (Browne et al., 2022; Wardle et al., 2020). The new interventions based on online tools, mobile apps, and social media platforms can be especially useful in the prevention and support strategies of young adults who are digital natives (Li et al., 2021).

Besides the general strategies of health to the general population, to overcome the mental health implications of gambling in young adults, services that are culturally safe, accessible, and responsive must be integrated. Australian cohort studies have provided evidence to show that people with gambling problems often report their histories of depression, substance misuse, and suicidal ideation, which prompts the conclusion that a model of coordinated care addressing both gambling and mental health should be organized (Merkouris et al., 2021). The question is whether considering gambling harm screening as a primary care, mental health service, and youth support approach can assist in earlier identifying individuals at risk and minimizing the burden of untreated illnesses (Wardle et al., 2020). Moreover, since the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the culturally and linguistically diverse young adults experience disproportions of harms, mental health outcomes can (and should) be equitable using culturally-specific interventions ( Productivity Commission, 2021).

Assessment Requirements Summary

The purpose of this assessment was to critically analyse the mental health challenges associated with gambling among young adults in Australia, aged 18–29 years. The key objectives included:

• Identifying gambling-related mental health risks among young adults, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies.

• Analysing contributing factors such as impulsivity, risk-taking behaviour, social and economic pressures, and stigma.

• Evaluating public health interventions aimed at reducing harm, including community awareness programs, stigma reduction initiatives, harm minimisation policies, and culturally sensitive services.

• Considering equity and accessibility in mental health interventions, particularly for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and culturally diverse populations.

• Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of research evidence, policy frameworks, and coordinated care models for gambling-related mental health issues.

• Presenting findings in a structured, formal report using APA or Harvard referencing style, including appropriate citations of academic sources.

Approach Taken by Academic Mentor

The academic mentor guided the student through a step-by-step process to ensure the assessment criteria were fully met:

1. Understanding the Brief:
   The mentor clarified the key requirements, emphasizing the dual focus on mental health risks and public health interventions. Guidance was provided on how to scope the research and frame the discussion for the target population.

2. Literature Review and Data Collection:
   The student was directed to explore recent Australian studies, government reports, and peer-reviewed articles. Emphasis was placed on using reliable sources such as Productivity Commission reports, National Mental Health Commission publications, and contemporary research on gambling harms and mental health.

3. Structuring the Report:
   The mentor helped the student outline the report:

   • Introduction: Overview of gambling harms and relevance to young adults.

   • Rationale: Explanation of why young adults are particularly vulnerable.

   • Mental Health Impacts: Detailed discussion on depression, anxiety, substance misuse, suicidality, and the role of stigma.

   • Public Health Interventions: Analysis of harm minimisation policies, community education, digital tools, and culturally specific strategies.

   • Equity Considerations: Focus on Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and CALD communities.

   • Conclusion: Summarised findings and recommendations for targeted interventions.

4. Evidence Integration:
   Guidance was provided on synthesising research findings without over-reliance on direct quotes. Key concepts such as the prevention paradox, population-level measures, and stigma reduction were highlighted.

5. Critical Analysis and Discussion:
   The mentor emphasized the need to critically evaluate intervention effectiveness, linking evidence to practical recommendations. Discussion points were refined to ensure clarity and logical flow.

6. Formatting and Referencing:
   The student was coached on APA/Harvard referencing, clear headings, concise language, and professional report presentation.

Outcome and Learning Objectives Achieved

• Comprehensive Analysis: The final report provided a detailed examination of gambling-related mental health challenges among young adults, addressing psychological, social, and economic dimensions.

• Evidence-Based Recommendations: The report evaluated and suggested effective public health interventions tailored to vulnerable populations.

• Critical Thinking and Research Skills: The student demonstrated the ability to interpret complex research findings, analyse policy implications, and integrate evidence into actionable strategies.

• Cultural Competence: The assessment addressed equitable and culturally safe approaches for diverse populations.

• Professional Report Writing: The student produced a well-structured, formally written report with correct referencing, fulfilling all assessment submission requirements.

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