Gambling Brainstorm
This brainstorm activity gives participants an opportunity to think of different types of gambling in their environment, before reflecting on the risk of harm.
Time:
15-20min
Resources:
Flip-chart, felt-tip pens

Method
- Using a flip chart placed in the middle of a table, ask the group to note down as many types of gambling they can think of.In particular, ask participants to consider gambling activities they may be exposed to, e.g.:Gambling to do with hobbies, sports they are interested in
Gambling advertising they might have seen
Loot boxes and other gambling-style mechanics in games they might play
Gambling on social media, e.g. raffles and give-aways
Cryptocurrency - Ask the group what risks may be associated with gambling and facilitate a discussion.*
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Explain to the group that all gambling carries a risk of harm, however some products (and behaviours) carry more risk than others.
Ask the participants if they can guess which gambling activities may carry a greater risk of harm, and challenge them to circle these.
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Ask participants to explain why they find some activities more harmful than others. Examples of topics you can discuss include:
- The addictive characteristics of gambling products**
- The nature of online gambling
- The influence of adverts
- Peer pressure.
* Refer to Section 2.1 ‘What are gambling harms?’ for guidance on risk of gambling harm.
** Refer to Section 2.3 ‘Risk factors for experiencing gambling harm’ for guidance on addictive characteristics in gambling products.