Teen Gambling and Sports Betting Is on the Rise: Here’s What Parents Should Know

When you think of the most common risks kids face online, you probably don’t immediately think of gambling. But studies show that about a third of teens, particularly teen boys, have participated in online gambling in the last year — and the number is only growing. 

It’s not quite as obvious, and it doesn’t always look like what you’d expect. But as it becomes increasingly prevalent and risky for teens, we did the research to help parents understand how gambling can show up in their kids’ online world, what the risks are, and how to talk to your teen about it. 

How Gambling Sneaks Into Kids’ Digital Lives 

Online gambling for teens doesn’t start with the traditional forms that might come to mind first — most teens aren’t going out of their way to get scratch-off lottery tickets. But it starts with gambling-like features that show up in the online spaces they’re already in. 

One example is video games. Have you ever noticed a large transaction in your account, only to realize your child had unwittingly spent tons of money in a video game? This often happens because of “loot boxes” — a common feature where players pay for a chance at a mystery reward that varies in value. In other words, it’s a slot machine in a video game. 

Another entry point into gambling is fantasy sports. This is highly popular among teen boys, and for most, it serves as a positive experience to socialize and explore their interest in a sport. But for a select few, it opens up a world of prediction culture and the potential thrill of a win, whether or not there are high stakes. 

This is also where teens are inundated with ads for sports betting platforms, such as DraftKings or FanDuel. In 2018, a Supreme Court ruling allowed states to legalize sports betting, and since then, the industry has exploded, bringing more exposure, more ads, and more opportunities for teens to get involved. 

When It Becomes Real Gambling 

For some teens, these early experiences stay harmless. But for others, it can open the door to something more serious. There are countless sports betting apps, online casinos, and offshore sites that make it incredibly easy to place bets in seconds. Even with age restrictions in place, many of these platforms are not difficult for teens to access.

One mom reported how her 11-year-old son got introduced to online gambling by an ad on a livestream of a video game he was watching. With one click, he was taken to an offshore casino site that allowed him to place bets using items from the video game. That early exposure eventually turned into years of gambling addiction. This isn’t the norm, but it shows how easily it can start. 

What Problem Gambling Can Look Like in Teens  

Gambling addiction, or problem gambling, is gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career. Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health diagnosis, and certain factors make teens more susceptible. 

This addiction works like any other, starting with a dopamine release in the brain, and this is true for both adults and teens. The difference is that teens are still developing impulse control and decision-making skills. This makes them more vulnerable to taking risks and struggling to stop once they start. Research also shows that teens are more likely to meet the criteria of problem gambling if they experience a “big win” early on, have mental health struggles, or have financial difficulties. 

Signs Your Teen Might Be Gambling or Sports Betting

The signs are often hard to spot in the beginning, but there are some things you can look for that may signal a problem. 

Behavioral signs 

• A sudden intense interest in sports, odds, or betting language
• Preoccupation with games, scores, or outcomes
• Mood swings tied to wins or losses
• Unexplained charges or missing money 
• Selling personal items 
• Using personal payment apps or accounts 

On their devices

• Betting apps or unfamiliar gaming platforms
• Visits to sports betting or casino-style websites
• Increased time on fantasy sports apps
• Games that heavily feature loot boxes or paid rewards

How to Talk to Your Child About Gambling 

Like any other digital risk, the best approach is to keep it an open, continuous conversation. A great place to start is simply talking about things they already see and have likely experienced. Ask questions like, “Have you ever seen sports betting ads on YouTube?” or “What do you enjoy most about playing fantasy football with your friends?” Not only does this keep things casual, but it also helps them see how these risks show up in their own world.

Teens may also respond better to research and stats. Find resources that explain how apps, including sports betting and fantasy sports apps, are designed to keep users coming back. And real-life stories of how easy it can be for someone to start a gambling habit, but harder than it seems to stop. 

How Bark Can Help 

When it comes to gambling or any hidden risk online, having more visibility can help parents step in sooner. Bark’s award-winning monitoring technology helps you stay in the loop by scanning your child’s online activity and sending alerts if they encounter potential risks, including gambling-related content, apps, and conversations.

Bark can also alert you to concerns like cyberbullying, predation, sexual content, and self-harm across texts, email, browsing, and 30+ apps, helping you support your child with context, not guesswork. Check out our suite of parental control products to see which one can best meet your family’s digital needs today.