By: Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP
Not long ago, teens had only a handful of ways to be exposed to gambling. Some might see a caregiver buy lottery tickets, some might watch a family member join fantasy sports leagues and some might encounter gambling on a family trip. Gambling was a behavior that had clear boundaries around it as "adults only." But online gambling has literally changed the game, drawing millions of young people into the world of betting.
Platforms like FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings run ads 24/7, inviting young users to wager and win. Most will lose money, but that's only one concern. Gaming disorder,
depression,
substance use and
thoughts of suicide are linked with compulsive gambling, which can start at any age. Here's how to help safeguard your teen as gambling trends heat up.
How teens learn about gambling from media
No longer constrained to smoky casinos with bouncers only allowing adults to enter, gambling is now front and center on mainstream and social media. Teens now can get exposed to gambling through both types of media.
First, major sports events often include advertisements or sponsorship by online betting companies. So teens who watch sports may begin to link those two things: sports and gambling, as being normal connections.
Second, teens may see digital ads for betting on social media if they follow sports teams, events or athletes. Seeing betting alongside sports content on social media may further establish this connection for teens. Plus, seeing this content on social media may allow teens to "follow" gambling companies. This leads to even more message and prompts to engage in this behavior.
How gaming can groom young gamblers
Teens who play games online may see countless
digital ads for betting sites. Most will find it easy to navigate gambling platforms, since many features look like gaming sites. Young people involved in fantasy sports leagues may already check stats and scores constantly, just like veteran gamblers do.
Top-selling games often have blind, chance-based "loot boxes." Teens can buy into these with in-game currency or real money for a chance to win rare prizes. It's not exactly betting, but it's disturbingly close.
Online betting makes gambling easier than ever for teens
In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down
a federal law banning sports betting in most states. Mobile betting is now legal in 30 states, and in some, the legal gambling age is just 18.
Even in states that prohibit gambling under age 21, teens can easily set up online accounts. Many platforms don't require proof of age or make it easy for kids to
lie. Offshore sportsbooks and casinos operate outside the U.S., so young gamblers can place bets wherever they are.
Online gambling ads emphasize big wins and downplay risks, making betting even more tempting for teens. And since many have their own bank accounts, they can lose large sums in the blink of an eye.
Open conversations can help your teen
You might find it hard to talk with your teen about gambling, especially if you like to buy the occasional lottery ticket or place online bets. (A poll conducted by Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan showed that
more than 30% of parents gamble online, in-person or through social channels.)
Whatever your involvement in gambling, don't leave this topic untouched with your teen. Here's how to start a healthy conversation.
Treat them with respect. Skip the impulse to treat your teen like a vulnerable child. Ask what they already know about gambling (which might be a lot).
Use real-world examples. Use TV, radio or online ads to spark conversation. Hit pause and ask your teen: what's the point of this message? Are the promises realistic—for example, should gamblers expect to win big all the time?
Move it closer to home. Ask your teen what it might be like to risk real money. (You might find out they're already gambling—which moves the conversation to a new level.) If they're curious but haven't placed any bets yet, you could say:
"I know you love the Chiefs. Let's say you bet $5 because you were excited about them winning, but they lost. How would you react?"
Depending on their response, you could say: "What if it was just $5, but you bet every week and it adds up to $50 or $100 lost?" Then put yourself in the scenario. "What if I lost $500 in a bet and we had to cancel our vacation?"
Talk about the health impact of gambling
When you're discussing the true cost of wagering, try not to lecture your teen. At the same time, be honest about what gambling can do to the mind and body.
- Some people can't stop. Gambling
can be like drugs or alcohol. Some people face high risks for use disorders, often without knowing it.
- Their health suffers. Compulsive gamblers ride a roller coaster of events that can destroy restful
sleep and darken moods. Adults struggle to hold down jobs – and younger gamblers have trouble keeping school, sports and family commitments. Conflict and financial stress can lead to mental health struggles and high risks for suicide.
Let your teen know you're in this together
- Don't hide your gambling habits, even choices as straightforward as a lottery ticket. Consider saying: "I like gambling now and then, even when maybe I shouldn't. I'm worried you might struggle with this too."
- If you are a problem gambler—or have been in the past—talking with your teen may feel especially tough. But your honesty and courage can transform your child's outlook and support their lifelong health.
More ways to support your child
Set a threshold for danger. Ask your teen: "How will we know when gambling gets too dangerous? What's our plan for controlling it?"
Cap gambling losses. If you decide it's safe for your teen to wager small amounts, set a limit. Make a pact that they (and you!) will stop betting when losses hit a specific amount.
Monitor accounts. Require a "parent view" option on any online accounts your teen opens. Some platforms may require teens to present photo IDs before logging in or set dollar limits on bets placed in a specific timeframe. Discuss what will happen if your teen opens secret accounts or places bets through someone else.
Keep the door open. Make it safe for your teen to come to you with betting problems. Taking a non-judgmental approach will build the trust you need to tackle issues together.
Getting help for your teen
If your teen's gambling spirals out of control, reach out to your pediatrician or family doctor. Your child may need focused therapy, social support, medication (or a combination of all) to break gambling habits.
Talk with your child's doctor if you notice:
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
Signs that your teen is
thinking of suicide
Remember, if you're worried, don't wait. Compulsive gambling doesn't stop on its own. The earlier you help your teen find effective treatment, the better their chances of beating the gambling habit for good.
More information
About Dr. Moreno
 Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, is a lead author of the policy statement, "Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents." Dr. Moreno is co-director of the National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health and principal investigator of the Social Media and Adolescent Health Research Team (SMAHRT) within the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Moreno also served on a committee for the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine's report: "Preventing Bullying Through Science, Policy and Practice."
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