Underage Sports Gambling Surges as Legal Betting Expands Across US
Sports gambling has surged in the US since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling lifted a federal ban. Now legal in most states for those over 21, the industry is booming—with young men driving much of the activity. But concerns are growing about its impact on teenagers and young adults.
A third of boys aged 11 to 13 have already placed bets, according to recent figures. By high school, half of all boys report gambling in the past year. Many start for social reasons, hoping to fit in with friends, teammates, or family. Others chase the thrill of winning or believe they can make easy money.
The risks are clear. Some young men suffer financial losses that leave them distressed for days. Public opinion has shifted too—by 2022, one in five young men saw gambling as harmful to society, double the 2019 figure. This year alone, Americans are expected to wager over $3.3 billion during March Madness, highlighting the scale of the industry. Experts now call for stricter measures. Better age checks on gaming sites and tighter rules on gambling ads could help curb addictive behaviour. Without intervention, the trend may worsen as more states legalise betting.
The rise in underage gambling points to a growing challenge. With legal sports betting expanding, regulators and platforms face pressure to protect young people. Stricter controls and education could limit harm—but the industry's rapid growth shows no signs of slowing.
