Ben Affleck Says 13-Year-Old Son Wants to Bet on Sports
Published:
Jan 22, 2026
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05:48 p.m.
ET
When actor Ben Affleck casually revealed on national television that his 13-year-old son asked for $100 to bet on sports, the story caught the attention of many parents across the country. While the exchange was lighthearted, it spoke to the fact that sports betting is increasingly present and accessible in the lives of underage boys across the United States.
Gambling used to be more confined to adults, or so we think, but a drastic increase in accessibility through smartphones, apps and online platforms has pervaded younger generations and, in some cases, has replaced gaming and other traditional modes of youth entertainment.
As legalized sports betting expands and becomes a normalized part of sports culture, families are grappling with speaking about it to children that were once seen to be premature. Understanding whether this behavior is normal, how kids access betting platforms and what protections and treatments exist is necessary for guardians navigating this new landscape.
Is sports betting normal for 13 year olds? Legal?
Sports betting is not legal for 13-year-olds in any U.S. state. Depending on jurisdiction, the minimum legal age is typically 18 or more often 21. But reality is hardly ever a reflection of legality. According to national data cited by gambling experts, a majority of high school students have gambled in the past year, and 4% to 6% already show signs of a serious gambling problem.
Ben Affleck has spoken previously about his father being a “bookie” while Ben was growing up. Now his son, when asking for money to bet, referenced friends who were already betting and being given money from parents to do so.
Broader findings show gambling is increasingly perceived by adolescents as a social activity or a form of “investing,” rather than a risky behavior. Research consistently shows that starting to gamble at a younger age and doing so frequently increases the likelihood of developing a gambling addiction later in life.
Adolescents’ brains are still developing well into their mid-20s, particularly the areas responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation. This developmental gap makes teens especially vulnerable to the highs and lows of gambling, where losses can feel overwhelming and wins disproportionately reinforcing.
Similar patterns are also reflected in older college-aged students, showing how early exposure can escalate when habits are formed in teenage years.
How are underage kids skirting age-restriction rules for gambling?
Despite age verification requirements on regulated platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, underage users continue to find ways in. Some teens use accounts created by parents or older siblings, sometimes with adults unaware of the risks. Others turn to offshore sportsbooks and modern online “bookies” that operate outside U.S. regulation and often require little to no identity verification.
Peer-to-peer payment apps such as Venmo and Cash App have lowered barriers, allowing teens to move money quickly. Sweepstakes-style platforms and daily fantasy sports contests, which tend to have lower age thresholds, also serve as entry points. These workarounds are widely known among adolescents and often shared socially.
Gambling content circulates on social media, where wins are celebrated and losses are concealed. What may begin as small bets among friends can grow into something dangerous and damaging when underage bettors lack the financial and emotional tools to manage losses.
What does the KYC (Know Your Customer) process entail for online sports bettors in the United States?
Know Your Customer (KYC) processes are designed to verify that bettors meet legal age and identity requirements before placing wagers. In the U.S., regulated sportsbooks typically require users to submit personal information such as name, date of birth, address and a government-issued ID. Automated systems cross-check data against public and private databases to validate eligibility and flag potential fraud.
KYC systems often rely on static information, which can be misused or manipulated by tech-savvy teens. Plus, some adults willingly or without their knowledge provide access. Many platforms may only verify identity at account creation, leaving room for misuse down the line.
Biometric verification and continuous identity monitoring are thought to be potential next steps. These tools could help close loopholes by ensuring that the person placing bets is consistently verified, not just the account holder.
Gambling addiction treatment for young men in America
Many young people who gain early access and develop problems with gambling also often deal with challenges like anxiety, depression or academic and relationship problems.
Birches Health focuses on helping individuals of all ages regain control of their lives through evidence-based care. Clinical outcomes at Birches have shown an 85% decrease in gambling symptoms after nine sessions. Birches’ specialized care program addresses both the psychological drivers of gambling and the practical consequences.
Treatment options include individual therapy and clinician-led online group therapy, which provides structured support and accountability in a confidential setting. Combining one-on-one care with group support has been shown to strengthen long-term recovery.
If you or your child may be struggling with gambling, help is available now.
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
