Why Gen Alpha Teens Are No Strangers To Gambling
Published: March 31, 2026
Nowadays, gambling encapsulates a wide range of activities. Among traditional gambling typically found in casinos, newer forms like online gaming and sports betting are growing in popularity — especially with teenagers. Unfortunately, these new forms are highly accessible and extremely enticing to developing minds.
Every generation is different
The majority of today’s teenagers are considered Generation Alpha. Unlike older generations, Gen Alpha has never known life without the internet — hence their nickname “digital natives”, which makes them extremely tech-savvy and more likely to find a way around the age restrictions of gambling platforms. This trait also makes them highly susceptible to certain gambling mechanics, like risk vs. reward, found in the following activities that teens often engage in.
- Loot boxes — purchasable mystery item(s) found in video games.
- Video games — including FIFA, Counter-Strike, Pokémon, Roblox, Fortnite, and more.
- Bets with friends — often relating to sports and esports, conducted online or with peers.
- Card games — wagering money while playing poker, blackjack, etc.
- Lottery tickets and scratch-offs — often purchased for youth by an individual who is 18+.
The current situation
A study conducted by Common Sense Media found that over one-third of teenage boys (ages 11 to 17) have engaged in gambling in the past year. 64% of those teen boys participated in online gaming-related gambling, and 34% of them participated in traditional and sports-related gambling. Findings showed that boys were more likely to engage because of:
- Greater algorithmic exposure to gambling and betting-related advertisements.
- General motivation to gain money for spending.
- An attempt to win back money previously spent.
Though this study shows teenage boys experience greater engagement, it’s important to remember that any youth can be exposed to gambling, especially as betting platforms continue growing in popularity.
Next steps
To combat the rise of gambling among teenagers, you can:
- Have a conversation about what gambling is and the risks associated with it.
- Discuss your rules and expectations for gambling-related activities with your child.
- Place parental restrictions on a child’s phone to block certain platforms from being accessed.
- Teach financial responsibility through budgets, savings accounts, and explaining the risks of financial loss.
- Gauge your child’s risk for developing a gambling disorder using our quiz.
To find more resources and information on youth gambling, visit Change The Game Ohio to get youth gambling prevention tips for parents, educators, and professionals. Stay updated on youth gambling by following us at @Pausebeforeyouplay_oh on Instagram, @PBYP_OH on X, and Pause Before You Play on Facebook.
Want to talk to someone about gambling? Or wondering what your gambling might mean for your child? You can call the free and confidential Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or text 988. Trained and understanding specialists are ready to take your call 24/7. Additionally, the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network now offers virtual telehealth services at no cost.