As we head into 2026, families across the country are grappling with a hidden crisis that’s increasingly affecting our youngest generations. While gambling was once considered an adult concern, the landscape has dramatically shifted.
Today’s teens and young adults face unprecedented access to gambling opportunities—from sports betting apps on their phones to online casinos available 24/7. The numbers tell a sobering story, and understanding this growing challenge is the first step toward protecting our youth and supporting those already struggling.
The Alarming Reality: Current Statistics and Trends
Recent data from the Gambling Commission found that 27% of 11 to 17-year-olds had spent their own money on gambling activities in the past year, with problem gambling rates doubling from 0.7% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024. While these are UK statistics, they reflect a global trend that mirrors patterns seen in the United States.
Perhaps most concerning is the age of first exposure. Research from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey revealed that 43.3% of young adults were first exposed to gambling between ages 11-16, with 96.91% exposed before age 23. This early exposure matters because childhood exposure to gambling significantly increases the likelihood of developing gambling problems in adulthood.
A September 2024 study brought another troubling statistic to light: 10% of young men in the U.S. show behavior indicating a gambling problem, compared to just 3% of the general population. Harvard Medical School reports that 7% of college students meet the criteria for problem gambling, and up to 5% of adolescents and young adults who gamble develop a disorder.
Understanding the Warning Signs of a Gambling Addiction
Recognizing gambling problems early can make all the difference in a young person’s recovery journey. Parents, teachers, and loved ones need to know what to look for, as teens are often skilled at hiding their gambling activities.
Behavioral Changes
Key behavioral warning signs include preoccupation with gambling (constantly thinking about past experiences or planning the next bet), needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same excitement, and withdrawal from family and friends. You might notice sudden shifts in behavior such as increased secrecy, mood swings, irritability, or a noticeable decline in academic performance and missed assignments.
Financial Red Flags
Money-related warning signs are often the most concrete indicators. Watch for financial irregularities such as unexplained losses, increasing credit card debt, or frequent requests for money. Missing money from wallets or savings accounts, sudden increases in credit card debt, or attempts to take out loans can all be serious concerns.
Social and Academic Impact
Teens struggling with gambling may jeopardize or lose relationships, neglect responsibilities at home or school, and in severe cases, steal or commit fraud to fund their gambling. You might observe them missing classes or entire school days with no explanation, or showing a complete lack of interest in extracurricular activities they once enjoyed.
Emotional Indicators
The emotional toll of gambling addiction often manifests as increased levels of stress, anxiety, or depression linked to gambling activities, along with persistent attempts to recover losses through continued gambling, creating a cycle of escalating bets.
What Parents and Loved Ones Can Do to Support those Struggling with Gambling
Supporting a young person struggling with gambling requires patience, understanding, and a strategic approach. Here’s how families can make a difference:
Open Communication Without Judgment
The most effective response is not punishment but early, clear, and nonjudgmental dialogue that invites the teen into awareness and support. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable discussing their struggles without fear of harsh consequences. Remember that shame and stigma often prevent young people from seeking help.
Education and Awareness
As a parent, look for signs like your teen talking openly about placing bets with friends, seeming preoccupied with online sites or apps associated with gambling, or getting overly excited or upset over sports event results. Educate yourself about modern gambling platforms and how they target young people through social media and gaming-like interfaces.
Set Clear Boundaries and Controls
Limit screen time and social media access for younger children or use parental controls to steer them away from gambling sites. Implementing parental controls on devices, limiting access to funds, and monitoring online activities are crucial preventive measures.
Model Healthy Behavior
Be a role model by avoiding gambling in front of your child or saying things that might encourage making reckless bets. Your actions speak louder than words, and children often mirror the behaviors they observe at home.
Build Trust and Connection
Parents can build trust with a positive attitude and bond of love with their children, which helps them stay away from addiction. Focus on strengthening your relationship through regular, meaningful conversations and shared activities that don’t involve screens or gambling-related content.
Gambling Recovery Strategies: The Path Forward
Recovery from gambling addiction is absolutely possible with the right support and commitment. Here are evidence-based strategies and treatment options that have proven effective:
Professional Treatment Options
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is the most established approach for treating gambling disorder, helping individuals interrupt distorted beliefs, track behavioral patterns, and build alternative coping strategies. This therapy helps individuals change negative thinking patterns and behaviors, typically requiring 12-20 weeks of treatment.
Motivational Interviewing: This client-centered approach enhances motivation to change and can be particularly effective with young people who may be resistant to traditional therapy approaches.
Family Therapy: Family therapy helps address the impact of gambling disorder on relationships and involves loved ones in the recovery process. This approach recognizes that addiction affects the entire family system.
Residential Treatment: Residential treatment may be an option for individuals who could benefit from peer support and structured programs focused on recovery and wellness. Many times, a gambling disorder may be co-occurring with an alcohol or substance use disorder requiring additional supports and therapy.
Support Groups and Community Resources
Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous provide a sense of community and understanding. Social support reduces treatment time and strongly contributes to one’s ability to abstain from gambling. For families, Gam-Anon offers support specifically designed for loved ones of problem gamblers.
Self-Help Strategies
Self-help strategies like setting personal limits and creating a structured recovery plan can be effective in managing gambling addiction. These might include:
- Removing gambling apps and blocking gambling websites
- Creating accountability systems with trusted friends or family
- Developing alternative activities to replace gambling
- Learning stress management techniques
- Tracking triggers and developing coping strategies
Understanding the Underlying Factors
Recovery becomes more effective when we understand why gambling appeals to young people. Gambling serves different purposes for different people – for some, it’s thrill-seeking behavior, while for others, it’s a way to quiet grief, escape stress, or reclaim control.
Risk factors that increase vulnerability include:
- Family history of gambling problems or addictive behaviors
- Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD
- Coming from lower socioeconomic backgrounds where financial stressors contribute to gambling’s appeal as a potential solution
- Impulsive tendencies and substance use
- Early exposure to gambling through family or peers
Resources for Immediate Help with Gambling Addiction
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling addiction, these resources are available 24/7:
- National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential, 24-hour support)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “GAMBLER” to 741741
Remember, recovery from gambling addiction is achievable through the right support and treatment. Early intervention makes a significant difference, and there’s no shame in seeking help.
Moving Forward with Hope
Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s online activities, a young adult recognizing troubling patterns in your own behavior, or an educator seeing warning signs in your students, know that help is available and recovery is possible.
Our youth deserve better than to have their potential compromised by an industry that profits from addiction. By staying informed, maintaining open dialogue, and supporting those who struggle, we can help ensure that gambling doesn’t rob another generation of their dreams, relationships, and wellbeing.
If you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you love, don’t wait. Reach out for help today. The sooner intervention begins, the better the chances for a full recovery and a bright, gambling-free future.
Chris Herren & Executive Director, Lori McCarthy, Discuss Gambling Addiction and a Pathway to Recovery
As part of an on-going Interview Series, Herren Wellness founder, Chris Herren, and Executive Director, Lori McCarthy sit down with a former guest, Matt D., to discuss his path to recovery from gambling addiction.
About Herren Wellness
Herren Wellness is a thriving community of people at all stages in their recovery journey. We introduce holistic therapies and strategies centered around emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness, in addition to life coaching sessions, family support and an individualized wellness plan to provide a solid foundation in recovery from alcohol and substance use.
We believe that staying connected and community has a lasting impact on recovery, and encourage all alumni to participate in our weekly alumni meetings, seasonal events and annual retreat. Your connection to Herren Wellness doesn’t end when your stay ends; we are there for you throughout your recovery journey.
If you, or a loved one, are looking for help, please call us at (844) 443-7736, email us at info@herrenwellness.com, or register for a 30 minute consultation with our Executive Director, Lori McCarthy. It is never too early or to late to seek help for substance use at any stage.
