The psychology behind NZ's sports betting boom

Publish Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2026, 11:07am

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The rapid growth of sports betting is raising concerns about its impact on young New Zealanders, with mental health experts warning that easier access through smartphones and online platforms is increasing the risk of harmful gambling habits.

The issue was the focus of this week's The Nutters Club, where host Hamish Williams and psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald examined the psychology behind sports betting and why it has become one of the fastest-growing forms of gambling.

MacDonald said the global sports gambling market is now worth an estimated US$123 billion and is expected to grow significantly over the coming decade, driven largely by the convenience of mobile betting apps.

In New Zealand, the latest gambling survey found almost 12 percent of people aged between 15 and 24 had placed a sports bet through betting providers within the previous year. That equates to around 80,000 young people.

"The earlier gambling habits are formed, the greater the likelihood they become lifelong behaviours," MacDonald said, explaining that adolescents are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing and are more susceptible to risk-taking.

He also warned that live, in-play betting increases the addictive potential by dramatically reducing the time between placing a bet and receiving a result.

The programme highlighted how sports betting has become increasingly embedded in sporting broadcasts through odds updates, sponsorship and promotional offers, making gambling appear a normal part of watching sport.

MacDonald stressed that while many people gamble recreationally without developing problems, there are clear warning signs that indicate gambling may be becoming harmful. These include chasing losses, increasing the size of bets, gambling to escape stress, borrowing money to continue betting, lying about gambling habits and allowing gambling to interfere with work or family life.

Listeners shared their own experiences during the programme. One caller described avoiding sports betting altogether for fear of developing an addiction after witnessing the effects of poker machines on others. Another regular sports betting customer explained how he carefully limits the amount he deposits each week but acknowledged that the excitement of winning can encourage larger bets and greater risks.

Williams said the discussion was not intended to condemn gambling, but to better understand why sports betting has become so appealing and to encourage people to recognise when entertainment may be turning into addiction.

With sports betting now only a few taps away on a smartphone, experts say understanding those risks has never been more important.