DraftKings and other leading online sports betting companies are urging parents to have open conversations with their children about the risks of gambling, following a new survey revealing a significant rise in teen betting.
A recent study by the Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies found that over 42% of US teens aged 13 to 17 reported gambling in the past year. Among these young players, 10% were identified as being at high risk for problem gambling. This increase in youth gambling has raised concerns among mental health professionals and addiction specialists, who report seeing more teens seeking help for gambling-related issues.
Despite these concerns, industry leaders, including DraftKings CEO Jason Robins, have emphasized the importance of parental involvement. On CNBC, Robins stated that “every parent should have conversations with their kids about“ gambling addiction. However, these companies have denied responsibility for the rise in teen gambling, instead placing the onus on parents to educate their children.
Therapists like Matt Missar, who treats dozens of patients with gambling problems monthly, highlight that many young clients began betting before reaching legal age. Missar stresses that while parental discussions are vital, the gambling industry must also implement stronger protections to prevent underage gambling and support vulnerable groups.
Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision that legalized sports betting in many states, the industry has expanded rapidly. By 2025, commercial sports betting revenue in the US exceeded $16.8 billion, mostly from online platforms. This growth has been accompanied by widespread advertising from sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel, increasing exposure to gambling products.
Some studies suggest that legalization correlates with a rise in gambling disorders. For example, research by Epic Research indicates a 61% increase in adults diagnosed with gambling disorders in states where sports betting is legal, compared to a 29% decrease in states where it remains illegal. Industry groups dispute these findings, attributing changes to improved diagnosis and awareness rather than an actual increase in addiction. Joe Maloney, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, said the study’s findings are complicated by changes in diagnostic coding and awareness.
For players and bettors, these developments highlight the importance of awareness and caution, especially for younger individuals who may be more susceptible to gambling harm. Parents are encouraged to engage in honest discussions about gambling risks, while players should monitor their betting habits and seek help if they notice signs of problem gambling.
In addition to parental guidance, experts call for the gambling industry to enhance protections for vulnerable populations, including younger players. This includes stricter age verification, limits on advertising targeting minors, and accessible resources for those at risk.
More information on responsible gambling and player protection can be found on GamblingNews.today’s Responsible Gambling section. For updates on sports betting regulations and market trends, visit our Sports Betting category and the USA news page.
Additional context on DraftKings’ market strategies and industry trends is available from CDC Gaming. For perspectives on gambling’s impact in sports, see coverage on NBA players’ stance on betting partnerships at The Guardian.
Source: Gambling | The Guardian.
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