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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Teen gambling is rising in North Carolina as online sports betting expands, creating new addiction risks for adolescents.
- A joint ABC11/ABC News investigation finds widespread participation – almost 28% of North Carolina youth report gambling – and experts warn early exposure increases the chance of long-term problems.
A recent investigation by ABC11 and the ABC News Investigative Unit documents a marked increase in gambling among teenagers in North Carolina that mirrors national trends.
Health officials cite survey data showing almost 28% of young people in the state report gambling, while research from the “Journal of Behavioral Addictions” indicates up to 7% of youth gamblers meet criteria for a gambling disorder.
Experts like warn adolescence is a vulnerable period for habit formation. Jim Steyer of Common Sense Media says teens gambling has been on the rise recently.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a big uptick in the amount of online gambling by young people.”
Dr. Nasir Naqvi of Columbia University said adolescents’ brain development raises addiction risk.
The investigation links these trends to easier access through online sportsbooks and new micro-betting formats.
Should more money go to RG resources?
The findings carry practical and regulatory implications. Players – especially teens – face higher exposure to constant, low-stakes betting options (like play-by-play markets) that industry critics say are engineered to maximize engagement.
Operators maintain they offer responsible gambling tools, but public health voices argue current protections may not be enough for underage users.
States are reaping large revenues from sports betting – Legal Sports Report estimates online sportsbooks generated at least $3.7 billion in taxes in 2025 – raising questions about directing more funds toward prevention and treatment.
Expect increased school-based education, more parental monitoring, and stronger pressure on operators to verify age and fund youth-focused programs. Regulators may consider tighter safeguards around micro-bets and product features that encourage rapid, repeated play.
Based on reporting by Jon Dowding for ABC11/WTVD.
