More than one in three adolescent boys in the United States have gambled in the past year, with many first exposed to gambling-like mechanics through video games, according to a recent report by Common Sense Media. This finding highlights a growing trend of early exposure to chance-based systems, which researchers say can normalize risky behavior at a critical developmental age.
The Rise of Digital Gambling
The study, “Betting on Boys,” surveyed over 1,000 boys aged 11 to 17 and found that video games with randomized rewards and in-game spending are frequently the first encounter with gambling for young males. These systems exploit psychological triggers like anticipation and reward, making them effective even if children don’t recognize them as gambling. The report underscores a shift in gambling from traditional venues to digital environments, where it’s more accessible and less regulated.
This matters because adolescence is a period when brains are more susceptible to reward-driven behaviors, meaning early exposure can lead to addiction and financial problems later in life. The normalization of gambling through gaming, coupled with aggressive marketing by gambling companies, creates a dangerous environment for young people.
Social Media and Peer Influence
The study also points to the role of social media in promoting gambling. Nearly half of boys who gamble report seeing related content online, often through algorithmic recommendations on platforms like YouTube. Exposure to this content increases spending, making gambling seem normal and low-risk.
Peer influence is also significant: over 80% of boys with gambling friends also gamble themselves, compared to fewer than 20% of those whose friends don’t. This suggests that social pressures play a key role in driving participation. Family exposure is also a factor, with one-third of gambling boys reporting doing so with family members, sometimes unknowingly.
Spending and Risk Behaviors
On average, boys who gamble spend $54 annually, but a smaller group engages in much riskier behavior, including unauthorized use of parents’ credit cards. This aligns with broader research linking early gambling exposure to problem gambling later in life. Studies in JAMA Pediatrics and The Lancet Public Health have documented long-term consequences, with some adolescents gambling weekly (about 8% in statewide surveys) and boys being disproportionately affected.
This is not just about money; it’s about the long-term impact on financial literacy and responsible decision-making. The aggressive design of gambling products and marketing tactics contribute to this problem by making betting feel routine.
What Parents Can Do
Common Sense Media recommends proactive conversations about gambling, starting earlier than many parents realize. Practical steps include monitoring online activity, setting spending rules, and removing payment methods from gaming platforms. The key is to help children understand the risks associated with mixing chance and money, even if they don’t seem obvious at first.
In conclusion, the new research from Common Sense Media shows that gambling among teen boys is widespread and often begins through seemingly harmless video games. This trend underscores the need for increased parental awareness, stricter regulation of digital gambling mechanics, and open conversations about the risks involved.
