PROTECTING YOUTH BEFORE HARM BEGINS
EDUCATION RESOURCES TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE INFORMED CHOICES
Today’s kids are surrounded by gambling-like experiences — from games and apps to sports and online platforms — often without realizing it. Understanding these influences and learning how to make informed choices early can help prevent harm later.
YOUTH &
YOUNG ADULTS
IT STARTS
WITH SUPPORT
GAMING &
GAMBLING
HOW GAMBLING AFFECTS YOUNG BRAINS
Our friends at the New York State Council have an interactive tool to explain how the brain reacts to gambling and how it affects the brain like other behavior and substance disorders
YOUTH PREVENTION
Problem gambling doesn’t only affect adults — it can begin much earlier than many people realize. Research shows that a significant number of young people are exposed to gambling behaviors in their early years, and those who start younger are at greater risk for developing gambling-related harm later in life.
Today’s children are growing up in a world where gambling messages are everywhere. Online games, sports content, apps, and social media often promote excitement, risk-taking, and the promise of winning. With the rise of internet gambling and gambling-like features in games, the line between gaming and gambling is increasingly difficult to see — especially for young people.
A game may look harmless on the surface, but some include in-game purchases, randomized rewards, or opportunities to wager virtual or real money. These experiences can normalize gambling behaviors long before a child fully understands the risks.
Young people who experience gambling problems are also more likely to face challenges such as substance use, mental health concerns, school difficulties, and family conflict.
One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is simple but powerful: talk early and talk often. Open conversations about gaming, gambling, and decision-making — even with young children — can make a meaningful difference. When kids understand how gambling works and feel comfortable asking questions, they’re better equipped to make healthy choices as they grow.
YOUNG ADULTS, COLLEGE, AND GAMBLING
For many young adults, gambling is part of college life — tied to sports, socializing, online games, or apps that make betting feel easy and low-risk. What often isn’t obvious is how quickly gambling can shift from entertainment to stress, financial strain, or loss of control, especially during a time of major life transition.
College-age students face unique pressures: independence, academic demands, social expectations, and financial responsibility — all while their brains are still developing decision-making and impulse control. These factors can increase vulnerability to gambling harm, particularly with the rise of online sports betting and mobile platforms available 24/7.
For parents and caregivers, it’s important to know that gambling harm doesn’t always look dramatic at first. Changes in mood, secrecy around money, increased betting, or stress tied to sports and gaming can be early signs that support may be helpful.
Open conversations, awareness of risk, and early support can make a meaningful difference. Whether you’re a student navigating choices or a parent looking to stay informed, resources are available to help prevent harm and support healthy decision-making during these critical years.
GAMBLIFICATION IN GAMES
Many games designed for children and teens include features that closely resemble gambling. Elements like loot boxes, in-game purchases, randomized rewards, and “near-win” mechanics are designed to keep players engaged by triggering excitement and anticipation.
Over time, these tactics can normalize risk-taking and reward-chasing behaviors, especially for young people whose brains are still developing. Helping youth understand how these systems work empowers them to make more informed choices and builds critical awareness around digital play.
If you are in a life threatening situation, please call 911 for Emergency Services or 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.