When most people think of gambling, they picture slot machines, poker tables, lottery tickets, or casinos. However, for many people today, gambling doesn’t look like that at all. It’s often happening on a smartphone, a gaming console, on a laptop, or a fantasy sports app and in many cases, kids and teens don’t even realize that what they’re doing is gambling.

The Hidden Side of Youth Gambling

Gambling isn’t always about cash exchanges or betting slips. Many online games and apps introduce risk-and-reward systems that mirror traditional gambling behaviors. These experiences can create the same excitement and brain responses that come with betting, increasing the risk for future gambling problems, especially in developing minds.

At Nicasa, we’ve seen how these subtle forms of gambling can easily go unnoticed by parents, teachers, and even the young people themselves.

How Young People Are Gambling Today

Youth gambling takes many modern forms, and not all of them look risky at first glance. Some of the most common include:

• Fantasy Sports & Sports Wagering: What starts as a friendly competition can quickly turn into high-stakes betting, especially with real money on the line through daily fantasy leagues and online sports betting apps. The excitement of winning can reinforce unsafe patterns before young people fully understand the consequences.
• Video Games and “Loot Boxes”: Many popular games include loot boxes or similar features, where players pay money (or use in-game currency) for a chance to win a rare item or upgrade. This “chance to win” element mirrors slot machine mechanics and can be an early introduction to gambling behavior.
• Skins Betting & eSports: In online gaming communities, players sometimes use “skins” or cosmetic items that can be bought, sold, or wagered. Some third-party sites even allow betting on eSports matches, giving young players an easy entry point into gambling-like activities without realizing the risks involved.

Why It Matters

Research shows that youth and young adults are 2–4 times more likely to develop a gambling disorder compared to adults. This higher vulnerability is linked to brain development, ease of online access, and low awareness of the risks.

Just like with alcohol or drugs, early exposure to gambling can change the way the brain processes rewards and decision-making, increasing the potential for addiction later in life.

What Parents and Caring Adults Can Do

Many parents don’t realize how common gambling-like experiences have become in youth entertainment. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.

Here are a few ways to help:

• Talk openly with your kids or teens about the difference between games of skill and games of chance.
• Set clear limits on gaming and in-app purchases.
• Pay attention to how your child interacts with games, not just what they play, but how they play.
• Stay informed about gambling-related risks and emerging trends in youth media.

How Nicasa Can Help

Nicasa offers a range of prevention and treatment services designed specifically for youth and families, including:

• Education Workshops for schools, parents, and community groups – Request a Workshop

• Gambling Counseling Services that are accessible and personalized – Request Counseling Services

• Teen Problem Gambling Prevention Volunteer Group, empowering youth to make a difference in their communities – Apply to Join the Volunteer Group.

If you’re concerned that a young person may be engaging in gambling or showing signs of risky behavior, help is available and it’s confidential. Contact us today: https://nicasa.org/contact/