Resources for anyone who works with children, young people or families in Scotland
Here you can find a range of resources to inform, support, and inspire you to include gambling in your work.
Why is it important to talk to young people about gambling? Hear from 2 groups of young people, who have facilitated their own gambling education projects through our Youth Fund.
Build your own session plan
Use our activity catalogue to build your own gambling awareness sessions for young people and families.

Trust Me film
‘Trust Me’ is a unique film exploring the impact that gambling and other risk-taking behaviours can have on young people as well as their family, friends and communities. The film draws on the views, experiences, and imaginations of Scottish young people and is the only free film-based teaching resource on this topic in the UK.
The film is designed to be shown to groups of young people in formal or informal education settings. The video is hosted on a dedicated that also includes follow-up session plans for teachers and youth workers.
Gambling education and the Curriculum for Excellence
This resource provides guidance on how gambling education aligns with the Curriculum for Excellence framework.
Gambling education and Youth Work Outcomes
This resource provides a brief snapshot of how delivering gambling education inputs in youth work projects can support practitioners to deliver the National Youth Work Strategy.
List of support services
Not sure where to signpost? This resource is a list of organisations and services providing various kinds of information, resources, and support around gambling harm.
Case studies
Case studies help us consider how someone's life circumstances can shape their experience of gambling harm. This builds empathy and a better understanding of the nuance of gambling harm and the stigma involved. Watch Darren and Fay's stories below, or explore related activities using the buttons to the right.
FAY'S STORY
Stigma, blame, shame: Women and gambling
DARREN'S STORY
Through developing and overcoming gambling disorder
In a nutshell
GAMBLING AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Almost half (48%) of 11-16 year olds have gambled at some point in their lives. This video resource gives an engaging snapshot of some key facts around young people's gambling behaviours in GB and their experience of harm.
GAMBLING AND AFFECTED OTHERS
For each person experiencing harmful gambling, it's estimated 6 people close to them are affected. Check out this In a Nutshell resource which provides a quick explanation of how one person's harmful gambling can affect people close to them.
Resources created by young people

'Don't be a Loser!' News reel
Y2K engaged their young people in the co-creation of a News Report addressing gambling-related harms in their community.

'Kaisar's Palace' interactive game
Kaisar's Palace is an interactive game made from the views of young people and explores what could happen on a night out to the casino. This is a PIPS project.

Youth-led research info video
GYIP conducted a piece of research to examine the presence of gambling and drinking establishments in their community. Watch a video summary of their work.
Dowload the full Gambling Education Toolkit
The 2022 edition of our toolkit is packed with up-to-date research and new activities.
It has everything you need to improve your knowledge and confidence to address gambling harms in your work.
Loot boxes explained
In this video, researcher Leon Y. Xiao explains what loot boxes are, and how common they are in the video games children play. He also provides tips for managing risks for young people around these products.
You can find out more about age ratings (called PEGI ratings) or content warnings for games in ParentZone's PEGI Game Ratings guide.
Our podcast
Latest
The Love Lottery: How dating apps use gambling mechanics to keep you playing
February 12, 2025
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, and while it’s a time for romance for many, others are finding the search…
Gambling strain on cash and relationships for young gamers
February 10, 2025
Survey reveals impact of high-cost video game purchases A survey by Young Scot and Fast Forward has revealed the financial…
Global Trends in Gambling Regulation Network Meeting, December 2024
December 16, 2024
Update and Recording Link The Scottish Gambling Education Network (SGEN) exists to bring together practitioners and organisations from a variety…
Our new podcast series….Introducing Nadine’s Story
December 16, 2024
We’re excited to share that we’ve just launched the Scottish Gambling Education Hub’s latest “Let’s Hae a Wee Blether…
Meet Amie, our Project Intern.
October 16, 2024
Please join us in welcoming Amie to the Fast Forward Team. Amie is joining us from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam…
Betting on shelter: the hidden cost of gambling harm on those experiencing homelessness
September 30, 2024
Research shows that gambling harm is more prevalent among those experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Recognising that the…