Gambling Addiction Treatment for Teens: Stop Teenage Betting
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Jul 11, 2024
,
12:49 p.m.
ET
Updated:
Sep 23, 2024
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02:33 p.m.
ET
In 2024, the popularity and accessibility of sports betting show no signs of slowing down. Its allure increasingly captivates high school and college students, who are drawn to the potential for quick financial gains and the added excitement that bets can bring to watching sports.
This article examines how teenagers engage in sports betting, the risks they encounter and the resources available for those who may be struggling with a gambling problem. Understanding these factors is essential for parents, educators and teens themselves to address the growing issue of teenage gambling and foster a healthier future for young people.
How are teenagers betting on sports?
Teenagers are increasingly engaging in sports betting and related gaming offerings, a trend facilitated by the visibility and promotion of gambling on social media.
States with 18+ Age Minimums
While most states require bettors to be at least 21 years old, locations like Montana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Wyoming and Washington D.C. have 18+ age requirements, allowing some teenagers to participate freely. It’s worth noting that some sportsbooks have maintained their standard 21+ age limits in states where they could open it to those 18+. However, not all sportsbooks do that, meaning their betting products are available to those 18-20 years old.
Creatively Skirting the Rules
And regardless of legal age requirements, teenagers have gotten creative. One Chicago-area high school newspaper revealed how some teens figure out access by either entering fake birthdays or using VPNs to bypass restrictions. Some teenagers use shared accounts or rely on older relatives to place bets. Others use risky methods such as using a family member’s social security number to evade age checks on betting apps like FanDuel and DraftKings.
Hybrid DFS 2.0 Products
Some high school students access sports betting through fantasy sports apps or hybrid betting platforms that offer a blend of fantasy and real-money gambling. These platforms often circumvent age restrictions by using "coins" or "tokens" instead of real money, giving teenagers the illusion of participating without breaking the law.
Modern-age Bookies & Offshore Sportsbooks
Moreover, teenagers are increasingly turning to offshore sportsbooks and local bookies to place their bets. Offshore sportsbooks operate illegally from outside the U.S., providing access to bettors regardless of their age and offering very few, if any, consumer protections. Modern bookies also exploit digital payment systems like Venmo or CashApp to facilitate transactions, making it easier for teenagers to engage in gambling without the need for face-to-face interactions.
Neither of these have age restrictions, which can make them attractive options for teenagers who cannot yet bet using legal, regulated sportsbooks in the U.S.
How many high school and college students are betting? Stats & Trends
High School Students: According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, approximately 60% of high school students have gambled money in the past year. The New York Post highlights Yale Medicine’s report that Gambling Addiction rates among youths are significantly higher than among adults, with 2-7% of teenagers developing gambling problems compared to about 1% of adults.
College Students: According to a survey commissioned by NCAA, 58% of 18- to 22-year-olds have engaged in at least one sports betting activity. On college campuses, 67% of students living on campus participate in sports betting. The survey identifies that 16% of the surveyed population has engaged in at least one risky gambling behavior, and 6% have reported losing more than $500 in a single day from sports betting. Additionally, 70% of risky gamblers believe consistent sports gambling will increase their monetary earnings.
Are teenagers at higher risk of developing a Gambling Addiction?
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to developing Gambling Addiction due to several factors, including the immaturity of their brains. The adolescent brain is still developing, especially in areas responsible for impulse control and decision-making. The prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate behavior and assess risks, does not fully mature until around age 25. This immaturity can make teens more susceptible to impulsive behaviors and risk-taking, including gambling.
Additionally, teenagers often lack the life experience and cognitive maturity to fully understand the potential consequences of gambling. This can lead to an increased likelihood of developing problematic gambling behaviors and addiction. Early exposure to gambling can set the stage for long-term addiction issues, making it crucial to address these behaviors as soon as they emerge.
Gambling advertising’s impact on teenagers
The impact of gambling advertising on teenagers cannot be underestimated. Marketing strategies used by gambling companies often target young people with appealing visuals and messages that glamorize gambling. Advertisements frequently present gambling as a fun and exciting activity, downplaying the risks and potential for addiction. Additionally, ads featuring high-profile figures can increase the appeal of betting, leading teenagers to engage more frequently.
Teenagers are particularly susceptible to these marketing tactics because they are still developing their critical thinking skills and may not fully grasp the long-term consequences of gambling. The normalization of gambling in media and advertising reinforces the idea that it is a harmless activity, contributing to the increasing rates of gambling among adolescents.
Teenage gambling addiction treatment & resources
Addressing problem gambling in teenagers requires a comprehensive and tailored approach. For those seeking help, resources such as Birches Health offer specialized virtual treatment for gambling addiction. Their services are designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents struggling with gambling problems.
Birches Health is an effective telehealth treatment option for gambling addiction, providing an adaptable approach tailored to meet any teenager’s needs from the comfort of home. Some of Birches’ services include:
Individual Therapy Sessions: Personalized one-on-one therapy with licensed professionals specializing in gambling addiction, focusing on the specific challenges faced by teenagers.
Virtual Group Therapy: Peer support and shared experiences in a group setting, helping teens connect with others facing similar issues.
Workshops and Webinars: Educational sessions about understanding and managing gambling disorder, providing valuable information and coping strategies.
Educational Materials: Access to articles, videos, and guides on gambling addiction and recovery, offering additional support and information.
Support Tools: Self-assessment quizzes, coping strategies, and relapse prevention techniques to aid in the recovery process.
How to get started with Birches Health:
Book an Appointment with a Therapist: Schedule a session with a clinician to begin personalized treatment.
Speak with a Care Specialist: Receive guidance and recommendations for the next steps in the treatment process.
Refer Someone Else: Help a loved one access the care they need for gambling addiction.
Free Self-Assessment: Evaluate gambling habits to determine if professional help is needed.
Alternatively you may call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in contact with the Birches team immediately.
