The Dangers of Online Gambling for Children and Teens: Protecting Your Kids in the Digital Age

The dangers of online gambling have become a bigger problem than ever before. That’s because online gambling itself has become easier than ever. This is especially true over the last two decades. Thanks to advanced technology and social media platforms, online gambling now draws millions of players around the world. And the industry itself has become a multibillion-dollar industry. ⁽¹⁾

Young people today have access to smart phones, computers, and other electronic devices. They can go online just about anywhere and at any time. And web application developers are keen to get in on the action. They are tempting teens with games, online casinos, and endless play time. These sites come complete with high-quality graphics, incredible sound effects, bonuses, free spins, and offers of huge wins, that are hard to resist. ⁽²⁾

Behind all the flash, bells, and tempting whistles lurks the dark side of gambling for kids. To find out more about how to keep your children from the harms of teenage gambling, keep reading.

What Is Online Gambling and How Do Children Access It?

Gambling itself is when you play any game involving luck or skill and wager something of value in the hopes of winning some kind of prize or reward. Online gambling works the same way, but all the games you play are online. ⁽³⁾

What can be tricky about online gambling or gaming is that some sites are free and safe. They aim to be fun and educational. Safe games online, in classrooms, or at home can be a great way for kids to learn. They can learn content like history, math, English, and science. They can also develop more generalized skills that help them learn to think. ⁽⁴⁾

However, gambling and teens are a dangerous mix. Some platforms are deceptive. They look fun and free, but are anything but. Teens can lose a lot of money fast. For example, sports betting online doesn’t look all that different from fantasy football leagues or college basketball tournament betting. But this scene is big business. ⁽⁵⁾

Underage Gambling Not Rigorously Enforced

Since 2018, some types of online gambling are legal in over half the states across the country. However, each state has its own rules. For teens, the restrictions might just mean a good challenge. Dedicated players can often find loopholes. ⁽⁶⁾

Gambling for kids might start with features like rewards and bonus points. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between playing just for free and playing for real money. ⁽⁷⁾

Gambling sites that appear to be free can also find other ways to essentially get your teen to spend real money. Roblox is one example of online teen gambling.

Some examples of gambling websites for kids and teens include: ⁽⁸⁾

• RBXFlip.
• Bloxflip.
• RBLXWild.
• BLOXmoon.
• FanDuel.
• BetMGM.
• DraftKings.

The Risks of Online Gambling for Kids

Teens looking for entertainment online have no problem finding it. There are no shortages of opportunities to become addicted. In fact, becoming addicted to gambling is one of the greatest risks for teens. Another very real risk is losing money. And it is very easy to lose lots of it.

Add those dangers to teen gambling, and teens and children run the risk of developing addiction, depression, or other mental health disorders. In very serious cases, teens with gambling addiction may develop suicidal ideation. ⁽⁹⁾

Even if the very worst doesn’t happen, teens can develop heightened anxiety. They also face a greater risk of abusing alcohol and other substances. You might notice that kids who spend a lot of time gambling develop academic, behavioral, interpersonal, and psychological problems. ^{(10) (11)}

Problem gambling among children and teens also leads to delinquency, and even criminal behavior. Other concerns include dropping out of or skipping school and disrupting family and peer relationships. ⁽¹²⁾

Red Flags to Look for As Parents

Here are some red flags to look out for if you’re concerned about your teens and gambling. Suddenly being secretive is a big one. Also, their spending habits might change. Your kids may seem to lack an understanding of consequences of their actions: ^{(13) (14)}

Changes in how they talk about or spend money:

• Spending that seems out of control.
• Frequently asking for money.
• Stealing.
• Owing money to others.
• Worries about money.

An increased interest in sports, particularly online:

• Having not just a favorite team, but an interest in scores from many games.
• Checking their phone constantly during sporting events.

Expressing an interest and knowledge about gambling:

• Friend groups that focus on gambling.
• Obsessive thoughts about betting and winning.
• Intense interest when other people start talking about gambling.
• Having betting sheets, lottery tickets, and other gambling materials.
• Suddenly knowing and using a lot of gambling terms, like “spread” and “line.”

Behavioral changes and mood swings:

• Signs of depression or anxiety.
• Signs that your child is thinking of suicide.

How Can You Protect Your Children Against the Harms of Online Gambling?

The good news for parents is that you actually have the best chance of influencing how your kids feel about gambling. Parents, rather than friends, can help your children understand the harms of gambling. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Parents can protect their children by talking about what gambling is and how it works. You can let them know how content creators online lure young people in without them knowing what they’re getting into. ⁽¹⁶⁾

Parents can also monitor their children’s online activities and set clear boundaries for online use. Other helpful guidelines include: ⁽¹⁷⁾

• Being a good role model.
• Activate your parental controls.
• Discuss how advertisers use advertising to lure players.
• Playing your child’s video games with them.
• Choosing not to let your children use your credit card.
• Adjust your family’s online security and ad settings.
• Blocking your children’s access to gambling websites.

The Legal Landscape: What Can You Do as a Parent?

Right now, most states say that people wanting to participate in a game involving gambling must be 21. However, for some games a person only needs to be 18. The bottom line is that regulations vary from state to state. And even within the states themselves. ⁽¹⁸⁾

“The legal landscape for gambling in general is confusing, at best. When it comes to underage gambling, the legal issues become even more convoluted,” explains Weitz & Luxenberg partner and practice group co-chair, James Bilsborrow.

He continues, “Particularly where our young people are concerned. When you go after online gambling platforms, you’re going up against people with attorneys prepared to do anything to stay in business. Their only goal is to make as much money as possible.”

That’s where Weitz & Luxenberg can step in. We are a national firm with decades of experience handling consumer fraud cases. Plus, we have a strong history of taking on the largest offenders out there and winning.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help If Your Child Was Harmed by Underage Gambling

The dangers of online gambling for anyone are significant. But for young people, the harm is that much greater because their brains are still developing. They’re still learning to navigate adolescence, peer pressure, hormones, expectations for their future, and parental pressure on one hand — and learning to be independent on the other.

As parents, you need to stay informed, communicate openly with your children, and use the tools, strategies, and resources available to you to keep them safe. Generally, but also from the online temptation to gamble is present 24/7.

If your child was harmed from online gambling, we encourage you to contact Weitz & Luxenberg. We offer a free case evaluation and can help you explore your legal options. Call us at (917) LAWYERS or fill out and submit our form.