New South Wales launches new ad campaign aimed at educating parents on gambling via video games

The government of New South Wales (NSW) has launched a new radio and TV advert campaign to educate parents about how young people gamble via video game loot boxes.

The adverts focus on the potential risks of gambling as well as how it can effect personal relationships while promoting a safer gambling website, which offers resources on managing gambling habits such as exclusion tools.

The campaign encourages parents to check their children’s games to see if they contain gambling elements in the form of loot boxes or content packs.

A recent government survey found that close to 30%- of 12-17 year-olds said they had gambled in the last year, with 40% of the surveyed group playing video games that include gambling elements.

NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said: “We know that people at risk of gambling harm can face difficulties in their personal relationships and at work, with issues such as absences, lateness or lack of concentration.”

Director of the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling Natalie Wright added: “We know that many people can gamble safely and don’t experience difficulties, however, some people can develop serious harms that can have devastating impacts for them and their families.”