Gambling at a Young Age - Statistics, Dangers, and Prevention
Gambling is a common activity among many Americans. Although it is legally limited to adults, it has become common among young people, as well. Gambling may be introduced as a fun, harmless activity, but as time progresses and gambling becomes more routine, it can easily turn into a serious addiction which affects family, social life, and finances for millions of people across the nation. Starting at a young age only increases the chances of becoming addicted. In this post, we will discuss statistics of young gamblers, the dangers, and prevention for long-term benefits.
Let's Talk Statistics
Here are some statistics from a small anonymous survey of young North Carolinians who gamble.
Age of Young Gamblers
Q1: What age did you start gambling?
55.5% of people started gambling before the age of 18.
How Young People Get Into Gambling
Q2: How did you get into gambling?
Friends & Family
62% of young gamblers reported to have started gambling due to influence from friends and family. Many young people are introduced to gambling through friends who recommend apps or websites. A popular app mentioned in responses is "Fliff," which allows users to gamble using virtual coins. Some users stated they got hooked after their friends introduced them to it. In other cases, gambling habits stem from family traditions, such as betting on sports events like college basketball. This exposure normalizes gambling from an early age, making it seem like just another family activity. Having normalized exposure to gambling makes it easy to form a habit and later fall into harmful gambling patterns.
Advertising
Young people are also influenced by ads that promote free credits or bonuses. These promotions can seem like a risk-free way to start gambling but they are often a gateway to more frequent gambling. Once they start to make money it becomes more and more difficult to stop.
Young Gamblers’ Types of Gambling
Q3: What form(s) of gambling have you engaged in?
About 78% of young gamblers reported to engage in some form of Sports Betting.
Sports betting is an online form of gambling, participants bet money on a certain team or player and earnings are dependent on their performance in games. Americans are exposed to the world of sports at a very young age. This makes sports betting very appealing to people of all ages. Additionally, the accessibility of sports betting makes it even more appealing to a young, digitally focused, generation. It is typically done on apps where participants can easily lie about their age and start placing bets almost immediately. The ease of use sucks young sports fans in, making them prone to harmful habits in the future.
Frequency of Young Gamblers
Q4: How often do you gamble?
75% of young gamblers report to gamble once every few months or less. This promising number gives hope for addiction prevention. 16% of young gamblers reported to gambling 3 times or more per week. Although a smaller percent, this causes worry for their future habits. Gambling so often at such a young age increases chances of the habit turning into an addiction.
Young Gamblers Reasons to Continue Gambling
Q5: Why do you continue to gamble?
50% of participants reported that they continue to gamble because it is fun.
37.5% of participants reported that they continue to gamble because they want to make money.
37.5% of participants reported that they continue to gamble due to becoming overconfident while betting.
12.5% of participants reported that they continue to gamble because they struggle to stop.
12.5% of participants reported that they continue to gamble out of habit.
12.5% of participants reported that they continue to gamble because they want to make up for the money they have lost (break even).
There is a mix of enjoyment, financial motivation, and psychological factors such as overconfidence and compulsion. These motivations may continue into adult years which can foster unhealthy gambling behaviors. Understanding these motivations helps to formulate targeted interventions. Strategies may include providing alternatives for social engagement and financial literacy education.
Profits and Losses of Young Gamblers
Q6: Have you won money gambling? If so, about how much?
75% of participants reported to have some amount of money won in their time gambling.
37.5% of participants reported to have won $300 or more at some point in their time gambling.
The highest reported win was $1000.
Q7: Have you lost money gambling? If so, about how much?
25% of participants reported to have never lost money while gambling.
75% of participants reported to have some amount of loss in their time gambling.
37.5% of participants reported to have lost 300 or more dollars in their time gambling.
The highest reported loss was $600.
While many young gamblers experience wins, the financial losses reported highlight the precarious nature of gambling. This difference between winnings and losses can create a false sense of security, leading to riskier behaviors. Educational efforts should focus on the reality of potential losses and the importance of setting limits to foster responsible gambling habits.
Young Gamblers Self-Reflection on Habits
Q8: Do you see your current gambling habits as concerning or addictive in any way?
The high percentage of respondents who do not see their habits as concerning could indicate a lack of awareness about the risks of gambling addiction. At an early age the signs of addiction may not be clear, harmless habits could turn into a serious addiction. On the other hand, these findings may point to young gamblers being aware and careful with their behaviors. They may simply not exhibit addictive behaviors.
Q9: Have you ever felt like you shouldn't be gambling?
Having a high percentage of young gamblers reporting that they have felt they should not be gambling points to the majority of the population feeling it is wrong to gamble. If they believe it is wrong to gamble but still continue, there is a question as to why they don’t see this behavior as addictive. Additionally, if young gamblers are educated enough to know gambling may not be a good decision, there is a suggestion that educating the younger generation isn’t enough to prevent gambling habits.
Q10: Do your parents or trusted adults know that you gamble?
50% reported “Yes, they are okay with it”
25% reported “Yes, they are not okay with it”
25% reported “No I just have not told them”
Majority of young gamblers have told their guardians about their gambling habits, with 50% of their guardians being okay with their gambling.
THE DANGERS
Gambling at a young age can lead to serious problems, including addiction, financial stress, and emotional strain. Young people are more susceptible to gambling addiction because they are still developing decision-making skills and are more prone to impulsive behavior. For example, a high school student who begins betting on sports or using online gambling apps may feel an initial thrill or sense of accomplishment after winning a few times. This early “success” can create a false sense of confidence, making them believe they can continue to win. However, as losses mount, they may start betting more to try and recoup their money, leading to what is known as “chasing losses,” which is a major red flag for gambling addiction.
Peer and family influence play a large role in introducing young people to gambling. In many cases, teens learn gambling from friends or family, often viewing it as a normal or harmless activity. For instance, family sports betting traditions may make gambling seem like just another part of watching a game, especially if parents or siblings are actively involved. Advertisements targeting young people further normalize gambling. Apps and websites often promote “free credits” or bonuses that make gambling appear low-risk. Young gamblers who see ads for betting platforms may feel encouraged to try, thinking they can stop whenever they want. But in many cases, once a gambling habit forms, it’s hard to quit. The impact can extend to poor school performance, strained relationships with family and friends, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
PREVENTION
Preventing youth gambling requires education, open communication, and active community involvement. Parents, schools, and community groups can start by teaching young people about the risks and real outcomes of gambling. For example, a financial literacy program in high schools can demonstrate how gambling often leads to more losses than wins, emphasizing that the house always has the advantage. By providing real-life examples, these programs make the risks clear. Schools and youth programs can also promote alternative social activities, such as sports, clubs, or hobbies, that offer healthy outlets for excitement and competition.
Restricting exposure to gambling advertising is another effective prevention measure. Ads that target young people, especially those offering “free” starting credits or low-cost entry games, can mislead them into thinking gambling is a harmless way to have fun. Policies that limit these types of ads or require age verification for access to gambling platforms can make a significant difference. Parents and educators should also discuss these ads with teens to help them recognize the tactics used to make gambling look attractive. By talking openly about gambling and setting clear expectations, families can help teens make informed decisions.
CONCLUSION
While gambling may look fun and easy, especially to young people, the risks far outweigh the rewards. Early exposure to gambling can quickly turn a casual habit into a serious addiction, affecting everything from school performance to emotional health and family relationships. With strong education, supportive environments, and restricted access to gambling, we can help young people steer clear of gambling pitfalls and make healthier, more fulfilling choices for their future.