Smart Vapes: The New Device Putting Youth At Risk
Published: June 9, 2025
Young people are encountering games and devices that compete for their attention by using gambling mechanics, and a new highly addictive device has recently come onto that scene. It’s called the “smart vape.” These illegal devices pair the addictive properties of nicotine vapor with the ability to play potentially addictive video games — and youth are their intended target.
Smart vapes first came into the public eye in late 2024, when the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) issued a public warning to online retailers that were illegally selling them. The e-cigarette devices looked like a smartphone or video game console, the agency said, and combined addictive nicotine with the ability to take phone calls and play games.
“These products may resemble smart devices, but there’s nothing smart about them,” said Brian King, director of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, in the release. “They’re illegal to sell and a flagrant attempt to target kids.”
National experts have also been warning parents, educators, and community members about the dangers of smart vapes. Jennifer Unger, a professor of population and public health sciences at the University of South California Keck School of Medicine, told the New York Post that the combination of sweet-tasting rewards with games is dangerously addictive for youth.
“That pairing — nicotine and gameplay — is a concern because it creates a powerful feedback loop. You’re reinforcing the behavior with both a chemical and a psychological reward,” said Unger. “It’s not just about vaping anymore — it’s about being entertained while you do it.”
When youth are exposed to gambling before they are old enough to engage responsibly, it can create behaviors that stick with them for life. Kids who engage in gambling are more likely to experience a gambling disorder, depression, and substance use disorders as adults.
That’s why it’s so important to take steps that help prevent youth gambling by watching out for devices like smart vapes. Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or a professional, there are multiple ways you can get involved. Change the Game Ohio offers a quiz to help you gauge whether a youth is at risk and resources for parents, educators, and professionals.
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