Key Moments:
- 34% of British Columbia youth aged 12-18 engaged in gaming or gambling for money in the past year
- Participation in online sports betting and online cards or dice games has increased since 2018
- 12% of surveyed youth reported needing help for their gaming habits
Youth Gambling Trends in British Columbia
The McCreary Centre Society has published findings from its 2023 B.C. Adolescent Health Survey, drawing attention to the prevalence of monetary gaming and gambling among individuals aged 12 to 18 across 59 of the 60 school districts in British Columbia. The report indicates that 34% of this demographic participated in at least one form of gambling or online gaming for money in the preceding year. These gambling activities include a range of options such as buying in-game items, entering gaming tournaments, and engaging in both online and in-person betting or card games. The legal gambling age in British Columbia is 19.
Rise in Online Sports Betting Among Youth
According to the survey, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of young people participating in online sports betting and online card or dice games when compared to data from 2018. The proportion of youth playing cards or dice online grew from 2% in 2018 to 5%, while those engaging in online sports betting also doubled over the same period. Activities such as purchasing loot boxes and cosmetics within video games were identified as the most popular among youth for spending money. Notably, 13% of individuals involved in online sports betting did so on a daily basis.
A recent report by the McCreary Centre Society has shown that an increasing number of B.C. youth aged between 12 and 18 have engaged in some form of gambling or gaming for money. đź’¸
34% of youth has taken part in at least 1/8 forms of gambling. pic.twitter.com/7KgRHeO0o9
— 604 Now | Vancouver (@604Now) August 29, 2025
Shifts in Gambling Behavior and Associated Risks
The survey also found that lottery ticket sales to youth have declined, with less than half the number of young people purchasing them compared to ten years ago. However, other patterns have raised concerns: 4% of respondents reported gambling for money on at least a weekly basis, and those facing socioeconomic challenges, difficult home environments, or experiencing loneliness and bullying were more likely to gamble regularly. Additionally, a correlation was observed between engagement in gaming activities involving money and the development of gambling problems later on, especially in areas such as sports betting.
The Impact of Gaming and Gambling on Teen Wellbeing
Persistent participation in monetary gaming and gambling has led to a range of negative outcomes for youth. Reported impacts include disturbed sleep, skipped meals (sometimes replaced by energy drinks), increased school absenteeism, and growing social withdrawal. These issues can exacerbate existing mental health challenges, including low self-esteem and depression. Data from the past year shows that 12% of surveyed youth acknowledged needing assistance with their gaming habits.
Regulatory and Parental Roles
The single legal online gaming platform in British Columbia is PlayNow, operated by BCLC, though a significant number of young players, approximately 76% according to market estimates, are active in the unregulated “grey market.” BCLC has implemented measures to prevent those under 19 from accessing its platforms by enforcing age verification at retail points, on PlayNow.com, and at all B.C. casinos. The importance of family connections is highlighted, as youth who feel supported by their families are less likely to engage in gambling or gaming for money.
Industry Perspectives and Initiatives
Ryan McCarthy, director of Player Health at BCLC, stated, “The results of this survey reinforce the importance of providing tools that support gambling literacy to people of all ages, including youth. We encourage parents to take the opportunity to talk to the teens and children in their lives about key gambling concepts, like randomness and odds, when they are exposed to gambling activities, for example, when watching a sports game or playing video games that include loot boxes, which are purchased for undisclosed rewards.” McCarthy added, “Understanding how gambling works and the importance of adopting safer gambling behaviours, such as setting money and time limits, is more important than ever.”
Further emphasizing responsible marketing, McCarthy explained that BCLC avoids advertising that could appeal to minors and conducts annual campaigns reminding adults not to purchase gambling products like Scratch and Win tickets as gifts for minors.
Survey Highlights Table
| Behavior | Percentage/Detail |
|---|---|
| Youth engaged in monetary gaming/gambling (past year) | 34% |
| Online cards/dice (2018) | 2% |
| Online cards/dice (2023) | 5% |
| Online sports betting (2018) | 2% |
| Youth gambling for money at least weekly | 4% |
| Youth who indicated a need for help with gaming (past year) | 12% |
| Youth active in unregulated online gambling space | 76% (market estimate) |
- Author
Daniel Williams
