The ‘game’ your teen is playing may not be a game at all! He may be gambling. This is a startling reality for today’s parents. Did you know that problem gambling rates are higher among teens than adults? To inform and equip you as a loving father, in this article I will share with you my findings on this trend and offer suggestions for addressing it so you can be the protector you seek to be.
The New Trends in Gambling: It’s Not Your Grandfather’s Poker Game
Gambling is no longer confined to casinos; it’s on your children’s phones, on their consoles, and is advertised everywhere. You cannot watch sports on television without being inundated with gambling ads. And there are subtle forms of gambling that may fly under parents’ radar. These are the latest horrifying developments:
| Trend | Key Statistic |
| Online Sports Betting & Media Exposure | Major sports events are saturated with betting ads, linking sports and gambling as a “normal connection.” Teens can easily create accounts online, often by lying about their age. |
| “Loot Boxes” in Video Games | 31% of 11 to 16 year olds have opened loot boxes, which are chance-based, and spending on them is linked to problem gambling severity. |
| “Skins” Gambling | Betting with in-game items (‘skins’) on unregulated websites. 3% of 11 to 16 year olds claim to have done this. |
| “Traditional” Activities Still Exist | Private bets with friends and lottery scratchcards (often bought by parents) are still the most common forms of gambling for young people. |
| Prevalence | 60 to 80% of high school students have gambled in the past year. Problem gambling rates for youth (4 to 8%) are significantly higher than for adults (~1%). |
The Dangers: Why This Matters More Than Money
The teenage brain is still developing and there are severe risks associated with gambling.
- The Underdeveloped Brain: The decision-making part of the brain is not fully developed until the mid-20s, making teens more impulsive and less able to weigh risks.
- Addiction and Mental Health: Problem gambling is linked to:
- Depression and anxiety
- Substance use problems (Teens who gamble are more likely to use drugs/alcohol).
- Suicide: Gambling addiction has one of the highest suicide rates among all addictions.
- Cascading Consequences: Financial loss, lying, stealing, poor school performance, and strained family relationships.
- Early Onset: Children introduced to “harmless betting” by age 12 are four times more likely to engage in problem gambling later.
Your Role, Dad: A Call to Action for Fathers
Research highlights the specific importance of the father’s influence and awareness.
| Your Unique Influence | Key Findings for Fathers |
| Role Modeling | Parental gambling is a strong predictor of adolescent gambling participation and problems. If you gamble, there is a greater chance your child will also gamble. |
| Co-Gambling | Fathers report a higher rate of co-gambling with their adolescents than mothers. |
| Awareness & Concern | Fathers report higher rates of awareness of adolescent gambling and simulated gambling than mothers, but also report being more concerned about their child’s gambling. |
If you suspect it, or see it, take action!
Protective Strategies for Fathers (and Mothers)
Here are some practical, actionable steps for parents.
1. Talk and Educate
- Don’t wait: Start conversations about gambling risks early. Parents should begin talking to their children about the dangers of gambling as early as six years old and continue the conversation as they grow.
- Explain the Odds: Explain that gambling is a business set up to take money, and “the house always wins.” Use relatable comparisons for odds for example:
“Your chance of winning the lottery jackpot is roughly 1 in 15 million (depending on the specific game). To put that number in perspective, you are 50 times more likely to be struck by lightning in your lifetime, which is about a 1 in 300,000 chance.”
- Talk About Gaming: Discuss in-game purchases like loot boxes and “skins,” and help them understand how these mechanics are like gambling. Many video games and apps now include gambling-like features (like loot boxes and social casino games) that expose children to the thrill of betting, normalizing gambling behavior.
- Make it a Discussion: Children whose parents talk to them about the risks of gambling are less likely to develop a problem. Ask your child what they think. The goal is open dialogue and trust. Make the conversation a regular, ongoing discussion rather than a one-time lecture.
2. Set Boundaries and Model Behavior
- Model Healthy Behavior: Don’t gamble! If you do, be conscious of your own gambling (e.g., lottery tickets, sports bets) and keep it moderate. Don’t use monetary rewards for family wagers.
- Establish Tech Rules: Set clear limits for screen time. Consider cybersecurity steps like removing devices from bedrooms and limiting access to online gambling sites.
- Financial Control: Limit your youth’s access to your credit cards for in-game or online purchases. Require an explanation before using your credit.
3. Recognize the Warning Signs
Things to look for that go beyond typical teen behavior.
- A sudden, intense interest in sports scores or stats.
- Unexplained mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
- Missing money or asking to borrow money frequently.
- Decline in grades, missing classes, or less interest in usual hobbies.
- Increased time online, especially being secretive about it.
Conclusion & Resources
Prevention starts at home with open communication and modeling. Remember that, according to the research, fathers’ influence carries more weight. Take the lead in preventative measures. Have a conversation with your youth tonight about gambling.
Need help? The most widely recognized and recommended national resource for problem gambling in the United States is the National Problem Gambling Helpline. This confidential helpline is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling and serves as a one-stop hub to connect individuals to local resources in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
| Resource Name | Phone Number | Website |
| National Problem Gambling Helpline | Call: 1-800-522-4700 | ncpgambling.org |
| Text: 800GAM | ||
| Chat: Chat Online (via the website) |
Instructions from the Holy Scriptures
Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows. – Proverbs 13:11 The Living Bible
Gambling undercuts the work ethic which has been part of God’s design for mankind since the beginning. The Bible instructs us to supply our own needs and those of our families by engaging in productive labor (Proverbs 31, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:8).
Christians are exhorted to work to have resources to share with others (Ephesians 4:28). By promising something for nothing, gambling works against this ethos. For more wisdom from God on this, read Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9; Proverbs 12:11, 13:4, 20:4, 21:25, 28:19.
The wise father will model for his children hard work and will avoid setting a bad example by gambling away his money. As stated earlier, if you gamble, there is a greater chance your child will also gamble.
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For more on the topic of fatherhood, read my newly revised and updated Father Love – The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs. I have added a chapter (26) on what churches can do to help fathers strengthen their spiritual leadership in their homes, congregations and communities. The hardbound version will be published on October 13, 2025. Obtain the Kindle version here: https://a.co/d/0HJS8QY
Another new resource for fathers is the book Fathering Strong – God’s Blueprint for Leading Your Family by Bruce Stapleton. Learn about it here: https://www.amazon.com/Fathering-Strong-Blueprint-Leading-Family/dp/B0F52HN91R
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Fathering Strong is powered by Urban Light Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 in Springfield, Ohio. Our mission is to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to the Heavenly Father. Go to www.fatheringstrong.com to donate. To learn more about Urban Light Ministries’ history, work, and mission, explore www.urbanlight.org.