Why gambling is a growing risk for kids and teens — and what parents can do about it
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Key takeaways
An estimated 1 in 3 adolescents in North America have gambled in the last year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Today’s teens encounter betting opportunities more than ever with online casinos and sports betting apps — sometimes without strong age barriers. Even video games use gambling-style mechanics like loot boxes and randomized rewards.
A recent Common Sense Media study focused on boys found that more than one-third (36%) of 11-year-olds had gambled in the last year, climbing to nearly one-half (49%) of 17-year-olds.
Of those boys ages 11-17, nearly two in three (64%) participated in online game activity that mimics gambling, such as spending real money for random rewards. About one in three (34%) participated in traditional gambling and another 34% reported sports-related gambling.
Early exposure to gambling carries real risks for developing brains, mental health, and long-term financial habits. Here’s what parents need to know.
Why gambling is so prevalent today
Several factors have contributed to the rise of online gambling:
Expanded legalization. After the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting in 2018, many states have made mobile betting legal — moving gambling from casinos to smartphones.
24/7 access. Online betting apps operate around the clock, making it possible to place bets anytime, anywhere.
Constant advertising. Major sporting events are saturated with ads from companies like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, normalizing betting as part of the fan experience.
Social media amplification. Feeds are filled with betting tips, influencer promotions, and promo codes that target young audiences. Some offshore, crypto-based gambling platforms market heavily online, even though they aren’t licensed in the United States.
Gaming crossover. Popular video games include gambling-like mechanics, which experts say may shape later gambling habits. With skins betting, virtual goods from online games are used as virtual currency to place bets.
Frictionless payments. Stored credit cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency can make losses feel less tangible — even though the financial risk is very real.
Why adolescents are especially vulnerable
Research shows that youth and young adults experience higher rates of problem gambling than older adults, and individuals who start gambling at a young age are at higher risk of developing problems later in life.
It isn’t just about losing money — it’s about habits and risk behaviors taking shape during a critical developmental window. These factors increase the risks for adolescents:
Peer pressure. When friends are involved in gambling, the the risk goes up. In the Common Sense media study, the highest rate of gambling was among boys who reported that most or all of their friends gamble (84%).
Ongoing brain development. During adolescence, the brain is still maturing — particularly the prefrontal cortex, which controls impulse regulation and risk evaluation.
Stronger reward sensitivity. Kids and teens experience a bigger rush from unpredictable wins, and gambling platforms are designed around variable rewards that reinforce repeat behavior.
Weaker long-term thinking. Adolescents are more responsive to immediate rewards but less equipped to weigh future consequences.
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This combination means kids and teens get a bigger rush from the excitement and rewards, but they're not as good at weighing what it could cost them later.
How gambling harms kids and teens
The Common Sense Media study reported that most boys who gamble do it casually as a fun, social activity or friendly rivalry and don't experience harm. However, a subset of boys show warning signs of problematic behavior, such as spending more than planned, using credit cards without permission, borrowing money from friends, or expressing regret.
When the motivation shifts from fun to making money, the behaviors look more like gambling. And the harms associated with youth gambling go beyond money.
Mental and emotional health
Adolescents who gamble are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health concerns, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Gambling losses can trigger shame, secrecy, and stress.
Academic and social impact
Problem gambling can interfere with school performance, extracurricular involvement, and social relationships, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Teens can end up constantly thinking about betting or dwelling on what they lost, leading to withdrawal from family and friends. Like many behavioral issues, gambling harm often develops quietly.
Longer-term financial consequences
The normalization of high-risk financial behavior can have lasting impact if adolescents connect money with quick, chance-based wins instead of earning, saving, and budgeting.
What parents can do about gambling, by age
The approach should evolve as children grow. Conversations about gambling aren’t one-time talks — they’re ongoing.
Kids
At this stage, focus on basic money concepts and fairness. Young kids may encounter gambling-style mechanics in games without understanding what they are.
Teach the difference between earning money and “winning” money.
Explain that games of chance don’t mean the odds are fair.
Monitor in-game purchases and secure payment methods.
Conversation starters:
How do you think that game decides who gets the prize?
Is that game based on skill or luck?
Where do you think the company gets the money to give out prizes?
Tweens
Tweens are increasingly independent online and may start seeing betting ads or hearing peers talk about odds. This is the stage to explain probability and raise advertising awareness.
Talk about how companies design apps to keep people playing and explain how odds work in simple terms.
Set clear boundaries around in-game purchases and app downloads.
Review device settings together.
Conversation starters:
Why do you think there are so many betting ads during sports?
If most people won money gambling, would the company stay in business? How do they make money?
How do you think it feels to lose money on a bet?
Teens
Teens may be directly targeted by online gambling content or feel pressure from friends to join in. Treat gambling like other risky behaviors, such as vaping or alcohol. Here, the focus shifts to critical thinking, long-term consequences, and independence.
Discuss real-world examples of gambling harm.
Connect gambling risks to broader financial goals (college, travel, savings).
Talk openly about digital spending.
Conversation starters:
What do you think makes sports betting so popular right now?
How would losing $100 feel? What about $1,000?
Why do influencers promote betting apps?
Warning signs of youth gambling at any age
The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights several red flags that may signal a gambling problem in adolescents:
Obsessive thoughts about betting and winning
Friend networks that focus on gambling
Worries or secretive actions around money
Spending that seems out of control
Signs of depression or anxiety
If you notice patterns, approach the conversation calmly and keep communication non-judgmental. Curiosity works better than accusation.
I’ve noticed you seem stressed after being on that app (or website). What’s going on?
I saw some charges I didn’t recognize — can we look at them together?
If you’re concerned about a gambling addiction, don’t ignore it. The sooner your child gets help, the stronger their chances of building healthier habits for the long term. You can talk to your child's doctor, or find resources at the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
Building money skills to reduce risk
Financial literacy is one of the best defenses against gambling harm. Build financial confidence for kids and teens by helping them:
Understand how probability works
Learn budgeting and saving skills
Set goals for money they earn
Recognize tricky advertising tactics
Set digital guardrails together to build trust:
Use parental controls. With Greenlight — the debit card for kids and money app for families — online casinos and online gambling merchants are always restricted.
Monitor app downloads and in-game purchases.
Avoid storing payment information on shared devices.
Review bank and credit card statements together.
Model thoughtful decision-making around money and avoid glorifying big wins. When young people understand how money grows through patience and planning rather than chance, gambling loses some of its appeal.
Underage gambling is a growing issue — but a preventable one
Young people are at higher risk, and they benefit from early awareness and prevention strategies. The reality is that despite being legally too young to bet, they may still be exposed. Prevention has to start early.
It starts with small conversations in elementary school.
It continues with honest dialogue in middle school.
It deepens with real-world financial lessons in high school.
While gambling platforms are designed to maximize engagement and spending, families can put systems in place that support safer choices.
Tools like Greenlight help families build healthier habits by restricting gambling-related merchants, giving parents visibility into spending, and creating opportunities for real-time money conversations with kids and teens before risky patterns take hold.
This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
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