Research

Rutgers: 43% of Adolescents Gamble and Many Meet Problem Gambling Criteria

Posted on: October 28, 2026, 12:06h.

Last updated on: October 28, 2026, 12:06h.

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Devin O'Connor Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, and gaming news. Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014...
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Key Points

A Rutgers University study estimates nearly 43% of US teens aged 13 to 17 gambled in the past year
Among respondents who risked money, nearly 40% reported some level of problem gambling
Household gambling exposure and lower income were associated with greater risks

Researchers at the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University are sounding the alarm over adolescent gambling, estimating that nearly 43% of U.S. children aged 13 to 17 have gambled within the past year.

Rutgers gambling study adolescents — The Rutgers University campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in autumn. Rutgers’ Center for Gambling Studies says the expansion of gambling has increased gambling among adolescents. (Image: Shutterstock)

The first national benchmark study in two decades regarding gambling participation among minors, Rutgers researchers surveyed 1,677 U.S. adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 27. The survey inquired about their participation in various forms of gambling, including sports betting, casino gambling, lottery games, cryptocurrency trading, social casino games, and prediction markets.

More than half (52.5%) of the sample reported some form of participation in the past year. Among those who risked money, almost 40% expressed some level of problem gambling and 10.3% met the criteria for “high-risk problem gambling,” indicating substantial gambling-related problems.

We are living in a time where anyone can have a casino or sportsbook in their pocket,” said Lia Nower, director of the center, who led the study. “Teens who should be playing sports are betting on them.”

Founded in 2007, Rutgers’ Center for Gambling Studies researches gambling-related issues and policies. The school is a nationally accredited training center for compulsive gambling counselors.

‘Wake-Up Call’

The Rutgers study linked gambling exposure in the household to higher rates of play among adolescents and young adults. Family gambling exposure was especially common among high-risk teens.

Individuals who perceived a household gambling problem were more than five times as likely to be high-risk problem gamblers, according to the report.

Nower said the findings should serve as a wake-up call for parents regarding the dangers of introducing children to gambling. But parents are not the only ones who must take action, she added, noting that educators, health professionals, and policymakers must recognize how early youth exposure and participation are accelerating.

Gambling is no longer confined to casinos and lottery tickets. It is increasingly embedded in video games, sports broadcasts, and other products young people can access. We have worried this would increase rates of problem gambling among youth. Now we know it does,” Nower said.

Nower said the study confirmed what researchers have long suspected: problem gambling features a cumulative effect. The research concluded that the earlier and more frequently individuals place bets, the higher their risk of developing gambling problems.

Lower Income, Larger Losses

Another key finding in the gambling study is that lower household income was associated with the highest rates of gambling problems.

Nearly 30% of those who gambled from households earning less than $10,000 annually were classified as high risk for problems, as were 22.8% of those from households earning $10,000 to under $20,000.