New Research: 1 in 3 People Bet on Sports Before Age 21
Published:
,
04:56 p.m.
ET
Sports betting is more accessible than ever in the United States, and many young people are engaging with it well before the legal age.
In fact, one in three adults between the ages of 21 and 44 said they had placed a sports bet before turning 21.
The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Council on Problem Gambling, also revealed that 65% of adults said they participated in some form of gambling-like activity before reaching the legal gambling age. That includes activities such as lottery tickets, betting with friends, fantasy sports contests, online casino-style games or informal sports wagers.
It’s no surprise that as sports betting continues to saturate the market with a variety of mobile apps, as it becomes increasingly more integrated into sports broadcasts and more pervasive on social media (seemingly present every corner people turn), experts warn that early exposure may increase the risk of gambling-related problems later in life.
The study reinforces the troubling reality that gambling has become normalized in youth culture, and we are here to break it all down.
Youth gambling is becoming a public health concern
Some studies estimate that problem gambling rates among teens are two to four times higher than those seen in the adult population.
Additional research has also highlighted how early gambling exposure is becoming common among younger age groups. 36% of boys aged 11 to 17 reported gambling within the past year.
Among boys who have friends who gamble, 84% report participating themselves. Only 17% of boys without gambling peers reported gambling activity. Nearly half of adolescent boys who gamble say they regularly encounter gambling-related content through social media algorithms or online videos.
In many cases, this exposure happens passively. Young users do not seek out gambling content, but it appears in their feeds anyway.
How are people under age 21 betting?
Sports betting has made its way into high schools and college campuses across the country.
Students are finding ways to bypass age restrictions through alternative platforms and informal betting networks.
Some common pathways include:
Sweepstakes-style betting apps
Certain platforms market themselves as “free-to-play” social sportsbooks. Users can play with virtual currency that can sometimes be converted into cash prizes. Many allow participation starting at age 18.
Offshore sportsbooks
These unregulated betting websites operate outside U.S. jurisdiction and often have weak age verification systems.
Peer-to-peer betting
In many cases, underage betting happens informally among friends. Digital payment tools like Venmo, CashApp and PayPal make it easy to settle bets privately.
Gaming-related gambling mechanics
Video game features such as loot boxes, skins and randomized rewards can function similarly to gambling systems.
Together, these avenues create a digital ecosystem where young people can participate in gambling activities even before reaching the legal betting age.
Why early gambling exposure matters
The teenage brain is still developing, particularly in areas related to impulse control and risk evaluation. Disruption during developmental stages can make adolescents more vulnerable to addictive behaviors.
Gambling activates the brain’s dopamine reward system, creating a rush of excitement tied to uncertainty and potential reward. When this pattern starts early, it may increase the risk of compulsive behaviors later in life.
Public awareness around gambling addiction appears to be growing. The survey cited earlier found that 79% of Americans believe gambling addiction is as serious as alcohol or drug addiction. However, prevention efforts have not always kept pace with the rapid growth of online betting platforms.
Can transparency help reduce gambling harm?
The U.S. can certainly learn from Australia's efforts by considering mandatory loss disclosures and stricter regulations around gambling operators prominently displaying real-time account activity, such as amounts spent, bets placed and net wins and losses.
Last February, Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie proposed The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025. With this measure, bettors will have continuous awareness of and visibility into their gambling finances.
When individuals clearly see how much money they are losing, they may be more likely to pause or reconsider their behavior. While these strategies are still being debated, there is no doubt that increasing awareness around gambling activity is an important step toward prevention.
Gambling Addiction treatment in all 50 states
For individuals who develop unhealthy gambling habits, professional support can help.
Common warning signs of gambling addiction include chasing losses, hiding gambling behavior or feeling unable to stop betting.
Birches Health provides specialized gambling addiction treatment through confidential online care available nationwide.
Online treatment options with Birches Health include:
One-on-one therapy with licensed, certified counselors
Peer support
Group therapy
Family and couples counseling
If you, your child, or someone you love is struggling with gambling or gaming behaviors, help is available.
Reach out to Birches Health today:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
