A Parent’s Guide to Youth Online Gambling
Published: May 18, 2026
Children have a lot on their minds as they grow up. One day, they want new toy cars. The next day, they need a new car. This shift toward independence often brings a new need for money. While many teens take on their first jobs, the growing visibility of online gambling can lead some to believe that placing bets is a shortcut to financial freedom. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Change the Game Ohio is letting parents in on the current online gambling situation and how many youth and their mental well-being may be impacted.
Why are kids gambling?
For developing minds, activities that offer high-risk, high-reward opportunities feel highly satisfying. Each win lights up their brain’s reward system; each loss makes them seek redemption. As these young generations reach teenhood, social media makes them believe that freedom is possible with the right money and when money looks easy and feels fun on a sports betting commercial, who can blame them?
The money dilemma
Prior to the rise of online gambling and sports betting — most teens made money by working a local job. That was the case for now 27 year old Rob Minnick. As a New Jersey high school student, Minnick first began making money at a local ice cream shop with minimum wage pay. Gambling wasn’t on his mind until he saw an opportunity to make $100 off a sports bet – then the choice to gamble was clear (ABC News).
“Why would I ever work again?”
For six years, Minnick continued gambling. In that time, ABC news reported that Minnick went into debt six times and had to get a second job to support his gambling disorder — and he isn’t the only one with a story like this. According to Yale Medicine, two to seven percent of youths develop a gambling disorder, compared to one percent of adults. Furthermore, men are more likely to develop gambling disorders than women (Yale Medicine). Whatever a teens’ reasons for gambling is, often financial, social, and/or sports-related, it’s important that parents stay aware of how gambling can quickly make an impact.
Now, Minnick is a Recovery Advocate and gambling disorder survivor who spreads awareness and insights on his podcast to help others impacted by gambling.
What can parents do to help?
As a parent, it may feel natural to want to remove all forms of gambling from your child’s life. While you may be able to set restrictions on certain devices, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the constant circulation of sports betting commercials and gambling advertisements. That’s why MindShift from Landmark College advises parents to talk about it. Explain how gambling can lead to loss of control and is designed to benefit the company, not the player. An approach like this is often more effective than telling them to “never gamble again” as kids respond better to information.
Next steps:
- Download the Parent Guide to learn more about youth gambling.
- Talk to your child about gambling and sports betting.
- Model healthy behaviors around your child.
- Watch your child’s behavior and look for warning signs.
- If demonstrating signs, seek professional help.
Wondering if your child is gambling? Take this two-minute quiz to gauge their risk level for a gambling disorder. You can also 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.
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, Pause Before You Play on Facebook, and Pause Before You Play on LinkedIn.