The Impact of Online Gambling on Teen Mental Health and How Parents Can Help

In recent years, online gambling has increasingly become accessible to teenagers, transforming from a behavior once confined to adult environments into a widespread phenomenon affecting youth worldwide. Traditionally, exposure to gambling was limited to some familiar contexts like buying lottery tickets or witnessing family members participate in betting activities during trips. These boundaries kept gambling somewhat segregated from teenagers’ everyday lives.

However, with the advent of digital platforms such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings, the landscape has shifted dramatically. These companies heavily advertise around the clock, enticing young people to partake in betting activities with promises of quick wins. While many teens may not win money, the dangers associated with online gambling extend far beyond financial loss. Research links problematic gambling to mental health issues such as gaming disorder, depression, and even suicidal ideation, underscoring the need for awareness and prevention.

The removal of physical barriers—like smoky casinos with age restrictions—has made gambling omnipresent, especially through media channels that teens frequently access. Major sports events are often sponsored by online betting companies, and their advertisements are omnipresent during broadcasts. Additionally, social media platforms expose teens to targeted ads related to betting, sometimes following sports teams or athletes, leading to normalization of sports wagering.

Teens who engage with online gaming also encounter numerous gambling-like mechanics, such as loot boxes, which resemble gambling behaviors by offering chance-based rewards in exchange for in-game or real money. The 2018 Supreme Court decision legalizing sports betting in many states further expanded the accessibility, allowing online bets in states where the legal age can be as low as 18. Many platforms do not rigorously verify age, and offshore operators make it easy for underage individuals to gamble.

The presentation of online gambling advertisements often emphasizes potential big wins while downplaying the risks involved, making it especially appealing to impressionable teens. With many young people managing their own bank accounts, they can quickly lose significant sums, sometimes without fully understanding the consequences.

Addressing this issue begins with open, respectful conversations between parents and teens. Parents are encouraged to discuss gambling by referencing media the teen views and exploring how risking real money could impact them emotionally and financially. Transparency about personal gambling habits can foster trust and model responsible behavior.

Educating teens about the health implications is crucial. Gambling can lead to addiction similar to substance abuse, affecting mental and physical health—causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, stress, and anxiety from financial pressures. Honest discussions can help teens understand these risks without feeling judged.

Parents should monitor online accounts and set boundaries, such as limiting gambling expenditures and being available for discussions about concerns. If gambling behavior appears to be spiraling out of control, seeking professional help from pediatricians or mental health specialists is recommended. Treatment may involve therapy, social support, or medication, depending on severity.

In essence, proactive engagement and honest dialogue are key to protecting teenagers from the potentially destructive impact of online gambling. Recognizing the digital age’s unique challenges allows parents to guide their teens towards healthier choices and resilience against addictive behaviors.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-online-gambling-teens-advice-pediatrician.html