Study finds 43% of US teenagers gambled in past year
A new national study has found that nearly 43% of American teenagers aged 13–17 gambled in the past year, prompting Ohio gambling prevention advocates to warn parents about giving lottery tickets and other gambling-related gifts during the holiday season.
The 2026 survey, conducted by Rutgers University’s Center for Gambling Studies, questioned more than 1,600 young Americans and found that 10.8% of those who gambled were classified as being at high risk for problem gambling.
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Researchers examined 21 forms of gambling, including traditional lottery products, sports betting, esports betting, cryptocurrency trading and prediction markets.
Ohio’s Change the Game initiative has responded by promoting its Youth Gambling Prevention Guide, encouraging parents to reconsider gifts that could expose children to gambling or gambling-like activities.
“Parents and caregivers may not always recognize how certain gifts can introduce young people to gambling or gambling-like behaviors,” said Derek Longmeier, executive director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO).
“Whether it’s a lottery ticket, a scratch-off, or video game gift cards, it’s important to recognize the potential risks behind what may seem like harmless fun.”
The organisation recommends alternatives including board games, puzzles, books, educational activities and experiences such as sporting events or museum visits.
“With gambling taking new forms and reaching young people in many ways, being intentional about what we put under the tree is one simple way to support healthier choices,” Longmeier added.
Change the Game Ohio is also encouraging families to discuss gambling risks with children, particularly as digital platforms introduce new opportunities for exposure to gambling-related activities.
