A new study found that sports betting and casino wagering as an adult is often preceded by underage gambling.
Key Takeaways
- Most forms of gambling have a minimum age requirement of 21 in most states.
- Young adults were more likely to have bet on sports than older generations.
- Sixty-six percent of subjects said they are concerned that children are exposed to elements of gambling.
A national online survey of 2,072 adults conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) from Feb. 19-23 revealed the trend.
Most states maintain a 21-year age minimum for different forms of gambling, including poker, sports betting, fantasy contests, and casino games. Despite that, nearly two-thirds of respondents indicated they were involved in gambling before celebrating their 21st birthday.
Young adults were more likely to report underage gambling than older generations. According to the survey, 33% of individuals aged 21-44 bet on sports, three times higher than the 11% figure for individuals aged 55 and up.
“Youth are at significantly greater risk for developing gambling problems, and as gambling becomes increasingly normalized in media, sports, and online spaces, the risks grow,” said NCPG executive director Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE. “Prevention and education are essential to ensure young people, families, educators, and policymakers understand the potential harms and are protected from early exposure.”
The study went on to outline specific behaviors of young gamblers, which include:
- 40% played the lottery or scratch-off ticket
- 37% bet at home with friends or family
- 23% submitted a sports wager
- 21% played casino-style games online
- 16% played fantasy sports
- 3% reported a different form of gambling
Americans troubled by gambling
While young Americans are drawn to gambling, 79% also reported feeling that gambling addiction is as serious or more serious than other harmful addictions, such as alcoholism and drug use. Thirty percent said they outright believed that a gambling addiction was more dangerous.
Nearly two-thirds (66%) of subjects also said they are concerned about children being exposed to gambling and similar concepts. Twenty-five percent are very concerned.
These concepts include online games and video games that draw on concepts involving chance, such as loot boxes, which often require in-game purchases to obtain.
“What we’re seeing is that the majority of Americans recognize gambling addiction as a legitimate behavioral health issue,” Heather added. “The next step is ensuring our public health systems, policies, and prevention strategies reflect that understanding.”
Prediction platforms have marketed themselves as alternatives by allowing customers to compete against one another instead of the house. They also do not impose a vig and adjust the price of their contracts based on real-time customer demand.
However, when asked to liken these platforms to gambling, financial forecasting, or investing, the leading amount (30%) grouped them with gambling. Twenty-four percent picked financial forecasting, and 18% chose investing.
“If they involve financial stakes, uncertain outcomes, and repeated participation, we must consider the public health implications and ensure appropriate, consistent protections are in place,” said Cole Wogoman, NCPG director of government relations and league partnerships.
Supporting responsible gambling
With more Americans recognizing problem gambling as a serious issue, only 15% of subjects in the study claimed their primary care provider had asked about gambling behaviors.
“This represents a significant missed opportunity for early identification and intervention,” Heather said. “Gambling-related harm is often invisible until it becomes severe. Screening in healthcare settings can help normalize conversations and connect people to support earlier.”
Most sportsbooks promote responsible gambling in advertisements and on their betting apps. FanDuel, for example, recently introduced its Play With a Plan initiative to help bettors make smarter choices.
