The Online Gambling Epidemic Targeting Teens

Since a landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling, nearly every U.S. state has legalized online betting, dramatically increasing underaged gambling risks. While security measures prevent underaged people from entering casinos, online gambling presents a new frontier that is far more difficult to regulate. 

The Unseen Impact of Online Betting Among Young People

Most states restrict online gambling to players who are 21 and older, but tech-savvy teens can easily exploit loopholes that allow them to bypass age restrictions. Many online gambling platforms have some of the same features as video games, incorporating bonus points, rewards and interactive features that cause a positive feedback loop and make it hard for young people to distinguish between gaming for fun and gambling for money.

Paradoxically, online gambling is more accessible than ever, but parental awareness of the potential risks has not kept pace. According to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, only 2% of parents believe their teen has used an online betting platform, while more than half feel confident they would know if their child was gambling. 

Digital natives who have grown up with smartphones may find it second nature to hide gambling apps and delete their browsing history. Additionally, teens who have debit cards can easily create accounts to register for betting platforms. 

Why Young Brains Are More Vulnerable to Gambling Addiction

Teenagers and young adults are uniquely susceptible to gambling addiction due to their still-developing brains. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, impulse control and risk assessment, doesn’t fully mature until around age 25. As a result, young people are more likely to act spontaneously instead of rationally.

Unlike traditional casinos, online gambling platforms blur the line between real money and digital transactions. Many sites use virtual currency, bonus points and gamified features, making it easy for teens to overlook the financial stakes. The instant gratification of winning can reinforce compulsive betting behaviors, sometimes leading to severe consequences.

Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction

While gambling may seem like harmless entertainment, it can quickly escalate into a behavioral disorder, leading to financial strain, emotional distress and relationship conflicts. Much like drugs and alcohol, gambling affects the brain’s reward system, making it hard to stop despite adverse consequences.

Here are some red flags to look for if you suspect your child might have a gambling problem.

• Preoccupation with gambling: Constantly thinking about betting, planning gambling activities or chasing losses.
• Increased risk-taking: Wagering larger amounts to maintain excitement.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Skipping school or extracurricular activities in favor of gambling.
• Mood swings and secrecy: Becoming defensive, irritable or withdrawn.

Recognizing these signs and intervening can prevent adverse effects from escalating, but overcoming gambling addiction often requires structured support and professional guidance.

How R&A Therapeutic Partners Can Help

Teens have ample opportunities to gamble online without your knowledge. As a parent, you must stay informed, keep lines of communication open and set boundaries to protect your children from the financial and psychological risks of gambling addiction.

At R&A Therapeutic Partners, Ray Estefania and Ana Moreno specialize in helping families overcome mental and behavioral health issues. Our services include teen counseling, crisis management and personalized recovery coaching. We bring over 40 years of combined experience to clients in South Florida and nationwide.

Connect with us today if your child struggles with problem gambling. We offer the expertise and compassionate guidance your family needs to address conflicts and abstain from unhealthy habits. 

At R&A Therapeutic Partners Raymond Estefania and Ana Moreno specialize in substance use and mental health disorder evaluations, treatment, intervention and therapeutic/educational consulting for clients throughout the greater South Florida area, as well as nationally and internationally. For more resources and information please visit Therapeutic-Partners.com or on Facebook.