A recent survey conducted by Rutgers University has revealed a concerning trend: nearly half of American teenagers aged 13 to 17 have engaged in gambling activities over the past year. The study highlights the growing prevalence of betting among minors, prompting urgent discussions about the implications for youth and society.
The research, which involved nearly 1,700 participants aged 13 to 27, found that 52.5% of respondents admitted to gambling. Alarmingly, among those under 17—an age group for whom such activities are illegal—43% reported similar behaviors. Lia Nower, the lead author and director of the Rutgers Center for Gambling Studies, emphasized the ease with which young people can access gambling, stating, “We are living in a time where anyone can have a casino or sports book in their pocket.”
In addition to the high participation rates, the survey uncovered that 40% of those who gambled exhibited signs of problem gambling, with 10% classified as “high-risk problem gamblers.” For teens aged 17 and under, about 11% fell into this high-risk category, raising alarms about the potential for long-term addiction.
Nower pointed out that gambling has evolved beyond traditional casinos and lottery tickets, becoming embedded in video games and sports broadcasts, which are easily accessible to youth. “We have worried this would increase rates of problem gambling among youth. Now we know. It does,” she said, urging parents, educators, and policymakers to recognize the changing landscape of gambling.
The study marks the first national analysis of gambling behavior among adolescents and young adults in nearly two decades, although it does not provide direct comparisons to past trends. Previous research from 2007 suggested even higher participation rates, with 68% of young adults reporting gambling activities, but differences in methodology make direct comparisons difficult.
Among the various forms of gambling, scratch-off tickets were the most commonly reported, followed by bingo and lottery tickets. Approximately 20% of respondents engaged in sports betting, and just over 6% participated in prediction markets. Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to allow states to legalize sports betting, the landscape of gambling has changed dramatically, with 39 states and Washington, D.C. now permitting some form of sports gambling.
Nower’s findings serve as a crucial warning about the potential harms of gambling among youth. “We cannot wait until young people reach adulthood to begin addressing gambling-related harm,” she stated. The urgency for preventive measures and broader screening is clear, as the environment surrounding gambling continues to evolve rapidly.
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