Loneliness and inexperience may be leading many Chinese international students into problem gambling.

A study by Queensland's James Cook University has followed Chinese nationals studying in Auckland and Hamilton.

Researcher Dr Wendy Li say many of them are sole children who are spending most of their time studying, and want to experiment when they're alone in foreign countries.

She says they are often introduced to gambling by other international students.

Wendy Li says they often aren't educated about the risks involved.

She says service providers and universities could provide international students with more support and information about gambling-related harm.