Back-to-School Season: A Great Time to Talk About Underage Gambling
As families prepare for a new school year, many focus on healthy habits and academic success. Parents shop for supplies, review schedules, and discuss expectations. This season also creates an important opportunity to talk about underage gambling. For the purposes of this post, we will be using the term youth to encompass individuals under the age of 24.
Many parents know the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Fewer recognize the risks of gambling, which is why it’s known as the hidden addiction. Yet gambling often starts at a surprisingly young age.
Underage Gambling Research
Research from New York State shows that 23% of students in grades 7-12 reported gambling at least once during the past year. In addition, 30% of students said it would be easy for them to get involved in gambling. These numbers show that many young people have access to gambling opportunities.
The research also highlights how early gambling can begin. Among youth who gamble, 30% said they started at age 10 or younger. That rate exceeds early use rates for alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and pain relievers. Early exposure matters because behaviors developed during childhood can continue into adulthood.
Ways Youth Gamble
Today’s youth encounter gambling in many forms. Some buy lottery tickets through adults. Others bet on sports, play fantasy sports, or wager with friends. Many also engage with gambling-like activities in video games. Because these activities often appear harmless, families may overlook them.
The back-to-school season offers a chance to start conversations before problems develop. Parents can talk about gambling the same way they discuss other risky behaviors. Clear expectations help young people make informed decisions.
Supporting Our Youth
Research shows that family involvement plays a protective role. Youth benefit when parents stay engaged, offer praise, and participate in family decisions. Strong family and community connections can reduce risk and support healthy choices.
School involvement also matters. Participation in clubs, sports, and other activities can help protect young people from gambling-related harm. Making changes to reduce youth exposure to gambling, such as finding alternative fundraising opportunities, demonstrates different ways to approach challenges. These activities build social connections, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Communities can strengthen these efforts by providing safe and positive opportunities for youth.
Empowering Youth
The You Decide campaign encourages young people to think critically about their choices. Every decision can affect future goals, relationships, and well-being. When families discuss gambling openly, they help youth understand the risks and make healthier decisions.
As students head back to school, consider adding gambling awareness to your family’s conversations. A few minutes of discussion today can help prevent problems tomorrow. By staying informed and involved, parents and community influencers can support healthy development and help young people build a strong foundation for the future.
Help and Hope
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.
Learn more about gambling harms. Visit the NYCPG Training Center to view upcoming trainings as well as a list of self-paced trainings available to all.