Young people today are gambling in ways that look very different from the past, often through activities that seem harmless but still carry real risks—do you know if your child is gambling? You may be surprised. With new trends and changing language, gambling can be harder for parents to recognize, even though the dangers are just as serious.
In addition, with the rapid rise of mobile sports betting and other online platforms, gambling addiction has become a growing public health crisis. What was once a personal struggle now affects families, communities, and society at large, as easy access and normalization make it easier than ever to develop serious gambling problems.
Gambling definition: Gambling is risking money or something valuable on an event with an uncertain outcome, hoping to win more. It isn’t just casinos or poker — it can include betting on sports, video games, stocks, and casino and card games. Any activity that involves chance and the possibility of gain or loss can be gambling.
Gambling language: Young people often talk about gambling in ways that don’t sound traditional, which can make it hard for parents to recognize risky behavior. Understanding the words our kids use is an important step in spotting problems early. Does your child use any of this language?
Betting, Wagering, Punting, Putting, Firing, Laying, Staking, Donating, Bidding, Score, Playing, Looting, Spinning, Chipping, Flipping, Skins, Lock, Loot Box, Parlays.
The Five A’s: Why Young People Are at Increased Risk
The risks for young people to fall into problem gambling were summarized by researchers Donald Nowak and Ariel Aloe as ‘the Five A’s’:
Our Parents Standing Together community is a private space where parents of children struggling with gambling can ask questions, share what’s working (and what isn’t), and be with people who understand.
No advice from people who’ve never been through it. No judgment. Just parents who understand.
Gambling isn’t just in casinos anymore — it’s everywhere. Many of young peoples’ activities don’t look like traditional gambling, and age checks and laws aren’t always effective, making it easier for youth to take risks without parents noticing.
Evolving Traditional Gambling
Sports Betting
Gaming and Entertainment
Emerging Digital Risks
How Platforms are Designed to Hook Young People
Online gambling platforms are designed to keep players engaged and spending. They use powerful marketing and behavioral tactics—such as welcome bonuses, “free” credits, and near-miss designs that make losses feel like wins—to create excitement and encourage continued play. Personalized ads and notifications often target users based on their past activity, drawing them back when they try to stop. Fast, continuous play and easy access through apps or social media make it especially easy for young people to lose track of time and money. These features are not accidental—they’re built to keep players coming back.
The Advertising and Access Problem
Young people are exposed to nonstop advertising for gambling, often featuring celebrities, athletes, or social media influencers they admire. Platforms and content creators on YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and Kick frequently showcase extreme bets, “big wins,” or flashy challenges, making gambling look exciting and normal. With easy access through phones, weak age verification, and peer pressure to “play along,” gambling can quickly slip into everyday life — often without parents even realizing it. The combination of constant online exposure, influencer hype, and social normalization increases the risk that casual curiosity turns into risky or addictive behavior.
When it comes to reducing the chances that a young person will turn to gambling as a way to cope, two of the strongest protective factors are a supportive community and good mental health. These work hand in hand by building emotional support, a sense of belonging, healthy coping skills, and resilience.
From our conversations with many families, we’ve learned that gambling problems often occur alongside other challenges such as stress, anxiety, or difficulty managing emotions. If you notice that your child seems to be struggling—socially, emotionally, or mentally— seek professional guidance early.
Many young people use gambling to manage uncomfortable feelings or pressures, so helping them find healthier ways to cope and connect with others can make a big difference in preventing gambling from becoming a problem.
Our Parents Standing Together community is a private space where parents of children struggling with gambling can ask questions, share what’s working (and what isn’t), and be with people who understand.
No advice from people who’ve never been through it. No judgment. Just parents who understand.
