How to Protect Young People from Gambling Risks: Responsible Gaming Foundation Webinar Offers Answers
Bulgaria
21 September 2026, 09:28
The digital environment in which young people are growing up presents unfamiliar risks, while the line between video games and gambling is becoming increasingly blurred. To address the growing need for prevention, the Responsible Gaming Foundation is organising a webinar on 6 October 2026 titled “The Conversation Starts Here: Equipping Educators and Families to Address Youth Gambling.” The event aims to raise awareness among parents, guardians and teachers of potential risks and provide practical guidance on keeping young people safe.
Today’s teenagers face increasing exposure to gambling and easy access to online gambling and sports betting platforms. According to experts, excessive involvement in gambling poses serious risks to young people’s mental health and is often directly associated with anxiety, depression and, in some cases, the use of psychoactive substances. To prevent these problems from escalating, adults should watch for specific early warning signs. Common indicators of risky behaviour include sudden secrecy about money, sharp mood swings, noticeable withdrawal from friends and family, and a significant decline in academic performance.
Experts emphasise that the most effective protection for young people comes not from software restrictions, blocking apps or strict policies, but from the awareness and understanding of the adults they trust.
The webinar will feature Lisa Couperus, Associate Director, Education and Programs, and Jennifer Reynolds, PhD, Associate Director, Research and Knowledge Mobilization, both from the Responsible Gambling Council. They will share practical approaches to discussing gambling with teenagers and explain how scientific evidence can be put into practice to encourage a healthy attitude towards risk among young people.
The webinar will take place online on 6 October 2026 at 16:00 EEST. Participation is free, and attendees can secure their place by registering in advance here.
