Gambling is becoming a routine part of the digital lives of American teenagers, according to new research.
A report from Common Sense Media highlighted that nearly half of US teenage boys have gambled by the age of 17, raising concerns for regulators, platforms and betting stakeholders.
The findings were discussed in a recent news segment aired on NBC‘s TODAY Show, featuring Jim Steyer, CEO and Founder of Common Sense Media. Steyer described the data as a clear warning sign, arguing that gambling exposure is no longer incidental but structurally embedded in the online landscapes used by minors.
The report shows that 60% of boys aged 11 to 17 are exposed to gambling advertising on social media and video platforms, often through algorithmic recommendation rather than direct search.
Steyer explained: “I think the results of this new research are absolutely astounding and a wake-up call for every parent everywhere.
“One out of three boys in this country are gambling online before they’re old enough to vote.”
A major driver identified in the report is the normalisation of risk-based spending through gaming-related features.
More than half of surveyed children reported using real money for loot boxes or gacha-style purchases, which replicate core gambling mechanics such as randomised outcomes and variable rewards.
Researchers argue that these features act as an early conditioning tool, lowering psychological barriers to later engagement with real-money betting.
The influence of online personalities is also highlighted as a significant factor. Streamers and celebrities including Aiden Ross and Drake have broadcast gambling sessions to large audiences, often involving high stakes.
Almost half of teenage boys who gamble report watching this type of content, reinforcing the perception of gambling as entertainment rather than risk.
Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Michelle Chung, warned that early exposure creates a clear pathway to problem gambling, predicting addiction could emerge as a major mental health issue among teenage boys over the next decade.
Platforms and operators such as YouTube and DraftKings maintain that age controls and advertising safeguards are in place. However, advocacy groups argue enforcement is inconsistent and insufficient.
Steyer is calling for mandatory age verification across social platforms and tougher penalties for companies that fail to prevent underage exposure, positioning youth gambling as a systemic digital risk rather than a peripheral compliance issue.
