Parent awareness of online betting among teens

Implications

Gambling advertisements have amassed a large media presence, with frequent ads on TV, delivered through social media, and in-person at sporting events. The ads feature entertainers and sports figures that are popular with teens and young adults; bonuses and promotions imply that you can play with no risk of losing. Teens may be especially susceptible to these ads, which are often marketed to convey feelings of excitement, endless possibilities, and social credit. In addition, many online gambling options will seem familiar to teens. Online sports betting is similar to fantasy football leagues and college basketball tournament pools that are popular with sports fans. Online sweepstakes and social casino games offer rewards, colorful graphics, and other features of popular video and smartphone games to encourage continued use.

Since a 2018 US Supreme Court ruling, over half of states have legalized some type of online gambling. State laws vary in types of online gambling allowed and the minimum age to participate. Although most state laws restrict online sport and casino betting to 21 years or older, there are loopholes. Many online betting websites don’t require a log in or proof of age, meaning anyone can create an online betting account. Even on websites with age restrictions, underage users may be able to access online betting by lying about their age or using the account of an older person. Moreover, licensed offshore sportsbooks and casinos operate outside US jurisdictions, which allow online betting regardless of state restrictions.

This expanded accessibility has increased exposure to the risks of betting. Yet in this Mott Poll, just two percent of parents believe their teen has used an online betting platform, while more than half felt they would definitely know if their teen has been betting online. Parents may be underestimating their teen’s involvement. Online betting can be difficult to detect because a teen can easily log in on their smartphone or other personal device, delete the search history, hide the app or use it discretely. Two-thirds of parents reported their teen has a bank account or debit/credit card in their own name that could be used to register for online betting platforms. It is likely that many teens could participate in online betting without their parents’ knowledge.

The ubiquitous gambling ads may offer an opportunity for parents to have open, productive conversations with their teen about the risks of gambling and its prevalence in their social circles. Only one in four parents said they have talked with their teen about some aspect of online betting. Whether or not the child is actually using betting platforms, ongoing conversations may help the child navigate the social pressures and media presence of gambling platforms.

Parents will want to consider their approach to talking with their teen. Some will express their opposition to gambling in any form, as a matter of principle. Other parents might compare the risks of gambling offered through common fundraisers (e.g., raffles, bingo), card games, or friendly wagers, with the unique risks posed by online betting. Parents can help teens understand the strategies used by gambling sites to lure people into betting more frequently and in larger amounts.

In this Mott Poll, parents expressed concerned about going into debt or developing a gambling addiction as a result of online betting, but were uncertain whether online betting is more addictive than in-person gambling at a casino. A key difference is that in-person gambling is available only when the individual is at a casino or other betting location; in contrast, online gambling is always available. Furthermore, once a teen or young adult is registered with an online gambling platform, they may receive “push notifications” – messages from the platform encouraging them to continue betting. This makes it particularly difficult to get away from the temptation of betting.

Parents may want to check their state’s regulations for online betting, contacting their elected officials to express support for policies they feel would be helpful, such as age verification requirements. Additionally, if parents have concerns about ill effects of online betting—whether for a teen or an adult family member—they should seek help immediately. States have gambling hotlines that can point families to treatment for gambling addiction.