Who Do Tipsters Work For? Tipster Exposure and Adolescent Gambling

To analyse the association between exposure to tipsters and adolescents’ gambling intentions, behaviours, and psychosocial risk profiles. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 782 students from nine secondary schools and vocational training centres. Participants were classified into three groups according to their exposure to tipsters: (1) do not know what a tipster is; (2) know tipsters but do not follow them; (3) follow tipsters. Gamblingrelated variables—intention, frequency, expenditure, severity (CSPG; Lie/Bet), motives (GMQ-F), and cognitive risk factors (EDGAR-A)—were compared using Student’s t-tests and Cohen’s d. A clear risk gradient emerged. Adolescents who follow tipsters consistently showed the highest scores in gambling intention, frequency and gambling severity. Followership was also associated with lower perceived risk, higher normative perception, and markedly higher gambling motives, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to very
large. Differences between adolescents who do not know tipsters and those who know them but do not follow them were small in boys, and negligible in girls, indicating that active exposure—rather than mere awareness— is more strongly associated with higher gambling risk indicators. Boys showed higher intention and frequency of gambling than girls. Active exposure to tipsters constitutes an early and consistent marker of vulnerability
to gambling during adolescence. Following tipsters—rather than simply knowing of their existence—is strongly associated with greater gambling involvement, lower perceived risk, and motivational profiles linked to risky gambling. These findings highlight the need for regulatory controls on affiliate marketing and for preventive interventions that address digital gambling promotion and tipster-driven persuasive strategies.