As sports betting becomes increasingly common in the United States, companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel are encouraging parents to talk to their children about gambling. However, critics argue that these companies are shifting responsibility onto families while continuing to profit from an industry that is increasingly accessible to young audiences.
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins has encouraged parents to discuss gambling addiction with their children, even suggesting that these conversations should happen in households regardless of whether parents participate in betting. Meanwhile, industry representatives argue that regulated platforms have age-verification safeguards and that legal sports betting provides protections unavailable through illegal gambling operations.
Critics aren’t convinced. Pediatric addiction specialists argue that companies must take greater responsibility for preventing underage gambling rather than placing the burden entirely on parents. Gambling companies have rejected claims that legalization is responsible for increasing addiction rates, despite growing concerns from families and healthcare professionals.
Warning Signs Parents Should Look For If Their Child Is Gambling
One challenge parents face is that children don’t necessarily need access to traditional casinos or betting establishments to gamble. Sports betting apps, online casinos, cryptocurrency gambling, and video game features such as loot boxes can expose children to gambling-like activities.
For parents, unexplained money problems, lying about spending, and an obsession with winning are potential warning signs. Parents should also watch for mood swings connected to game results, increased isolation, and excessive time spent on gambling-related apps.
If parents suspect their child is gambling, approaching the situation calmly is important. Rather than immediately punishing them, parents should ask questions, establish financial boundaries, and make sure children understand the risks associated with gambling and addiction.
How Common Is Gambling Among American Teens?
The number of teenagers participating in gambling is particularly concerning. A Rutgers University survey of nearly 1,700 Americans between ages 13 and 27 found that approximately 43% of respondents ages 17 and younger had gambled within the previous year.
Even more concerning, approximately 11% of underage gamblers were classified as being at high risk for developing gambling problems. Across all surveyed gamblers, nearly 40% demonstrated symptoms associated with problem gambling.
Lia Nower, director of Rutgers University’s Center for Gambling Studies, warned that prevention cannot wait until children become adults. Nower said, “We cannot wait until young people reach adulthood to begin addressing gambling-related harm.” For parents, that means starting conversations early and making sure children understand that gambling is not harmless entertainment.
