By Dr. Rachel Docekal, MBA, Ed.D., CEO, Hanley Foundation
A new and quickly emerging risk is impacting the mental health of young people, and many parents may be unaware. Online gambling has evolved. It no longer looks like a casino or a sportsbook. Today, it often looks like an app, a game, or even a “prediction market” where users can bet on real-world outcomes, from sports and entertainment to global events. And in many cases, age verification exists and you only need to be 18 to participate, but that’s unevenly enforced.
The Illusion of “Not Gambling”
Platforms like prediction markets are often framed as financial tools or “trading platforms,” using language that appeals to younger users. But in practice, they function very similarly to gambling, placing money on uncertain outcomes with the hope of a reward. Experts warn that these platforms are drawing in younger users at alarming rates, often blurring the line between investing and betting. These platforms are widely accessible, operate around the clock, and may not be subject to the same consumer protections as traditional gambling.
Why Even 18 Is Too Young
From a legal standpoint, 18 may be considered the age of adulthood. From a neurological standpoint, it is not. The brain, particularly the areas responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and risk assessment, continues developing well into a person’s mid-20s. When you combine that with highly stimulating, fast-paced digital gambling environments, the risk increases significantly. This issue concerns more than just decision-making. It involves the intersection of brain development and high-risk behaviors.
A Perfect Storm for Addiction
Online gambling is uniquely positioned to create addiction:
- It is always accessible.
- It offers instant rewards and losses.
- It encourages “chasing losses”, a hallmark of addictive behavior.
- It often lacks the natural stopping points of traditional gambling environments.
Here is how it works in the brain:
Online gambling activates the brain’s dopamine-based reward system, the same system involved in drugs (cocaine, nicotine), alcohol, and other reinforcing behaviors (gaming, social media). Dopamine isn’t just about pleasure; it’s about anticipation and reward learning. Gambling is especially potent because of uncertainty and unpredictability (what psychologists call a variable reward schedule). That “maybe I’ll win” feeling creates a strong loop: anticipation → outcome → dopamine spike → repeat.
Research and clinical observations show that the accessibility of digital platforms is contributing to a rise in problem gambling, particularly among young adults. Individuals facing gambling addiction may experience significant financial distress, sometimes accumulating considerable debt before seeking help.
The Overlap with Substance Use Disorders
At Hanley Foundation, we rarely see addiction in isolation.
Gambling addiction shares many of the same neurological pathways as substance use disorders, particularly in how the brain processes reward, risk, and reinforcement. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with gambling to also experience:
- Substance use disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Impulse control challenges
In many cases, one addiction fuels another. A young person who begins with online gambling may turn to substances to cope with stress, losses, or emotional distress. Conversely, someone struggling with substance use may engage in risky gambling behaviors as part of a broader pattern of impulsivity. This is not a coincidence; it is the nature of addiction itself.
The Hidden Impact on Families
One of the most challenging aspects of online gambling is how invisible it can be. Unlike substance use, there may be no physical signs. No smell, no visible impairment. Instead, the warning signs often show up as:
- Financial secrecy
- Mood swings
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Withdrawal from family or responsibilities
By the time families notice an issue, the resulting consequences may already be substantial.
A Call to Awareness and Prevention
As technology evolves, so must our approach to prevention. We must start by acknowledging that online gambling is not a harmless activity for young people, especially when access begins at 18, or earlier, through loopholes and a lack of oversight.
Prevention starts with:
- Education: Helping families and young people understand the risks
- Conversation: Talking openly about gambling the same way we discuss substance use
- Boundaries: Monitoring access to apps and financial platforms
- Early Intervention: Recognizing warning signs before patterns escalate
Closing the Gap
We live in a time when risk is increasingly digital, immediate, and accessible. If we are serious about addressing addiction in all its forms, we must expand the conversation beyond drugs and alcohol to include behaviors like gambling, especially as they intersect with technology and youth culture.
At Hanley Foundation, we believe prevention is not just about saying no; it is about understanding the evolving landscape of risk and equipping individuals and families with the tools to navigate it.
Whether it is a substance or a behavior, addiction is still addiction. Take action today: Start conversations, educate those around you, and set clear boundaries. By intervening early and promoting awareness, we can protect young people from the dangers of online gambling and support them toward healthier futures. The time to act is now.
