A Guardian Australia investigation has uncovered a staggering increase in the number of young people struggling with problem gambling.

Psychiatrist and social commentator Tanveer Ahmed told Julie-anne Sprague online gambling was becoming an issue for younger and younger people, similar to other forms of technology addiction.

“When you keep getting served up one potential award after another, it’s another dopamine hit, and that’s happening in social media as well,” Dr Ahmed said.

“Young people don’t have as strong a grasp on the value of money, and that’s even worse when it’s just happening on a screen.”

Press PLAY to hear more about the growth of online addiction