National Survey Finds Widespread Gambling Participation Before Age 21 Amid Public Concern About Youth Exposure Risk

While nearly two thirds of U.S. adults aged 21+ report gambling before age 21, only 15% of adults overall say they have ever been asked about their gambling behavior by a primary care provider. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 2, 2026) — As gambling becomes more accessible across digital platforms, a national survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) finds that many U.S. adults report participating in gambling activities before age 21, while routine healthcare screening for gambling behaviors appears rare. The survey also found that nearly eight in ten Americans (79%) believe gambling addiction in the U.S. is as serious or more serious than other types of addiction like alcohol or drug addiction. 

The findings, released during Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), show that nearly two thirds of adults aged 21 and older (65%) report participating in at least one form of gambling before age 21. Among those activities: 

• 40% played lottery or scratch-off tickets 

• 37% played home games with friends/family for money 

• 23% placed a sports bet 

• 21% played online casino-style games 

• Played fantasy sports (16%) 

• Other form (3%) 

Younger adults report even higher rates of early sports betting and online casino play before age 21 compared to older generations. The survey found that 33% of 21–44-year-olds placed a sports bet before 21, versus 11% of 55+. 

“Youth are at significantly greater risk for developing gambling problems, and as gambling becomes increasingly normalized in media, sports, and online spaces, the risks grow,” said Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE, Executive Director of NCPG. “Prevention and education are essential to ensure young people, families, educators, and policymakers understand the potential harms and are protected from early exposure.”

Strong Concern About Underage Exposure 

Two-thirds of Americans (66%) say they are concerned about the impact of underage exposure to gambling or gambling-like activities, which can include sports betting advertisements, online games with betting elements, and loot boxes. One in four (25%) say they are very concerned. Concern is particularly elevated among those with children under 18 in the household (71% compared to 62% among those without children under 18 in the household). 

Gambling Addiction Seen as Serious Public Health Issue 

Nearly eight in ten Americans (79%) say gambling addiction is as serious as or more serious than other forms of addiction like alcohol or drug addiction. Thirty percent say it is more serious. 

“What we’re seeing is that the majority of Americans recognize gambling addiction as a legitimate behavioral health issue,” Heather added. “The next step is ensuring our public health systems, policies, and prevention strategies reflect that understanding.”

Last month, NCPG helped secure the historic opening of federal research funding for gambling addiction, unlocking first-time federal funds to study how problem gambling disproportionately impacts veterans and service members.  

Prediction Markets Viewed by Many as Gambling-Like 

When presented with a description of prediction markets, 30% of Americans say they are most similar to gambling — the most common response — compared to 24% who say financial forecasting and 18% who say investing. 

The findings suggest many Americans see meaningful overlap between prediction markets and traditional gambling activities. Since launching the new helpline number, 1-800-MY-RESET, NCPG’s Board of Directors recently issued a resolution calling on prediction markets to promote the NCPG-operated National Problem Gambling Helpline™ as a resource for accessing recovery resources.

“We need consistent consumer safeguards across emerging products like prediction markets, which are functionally gambling platforms,” said Cole Wogoman, NCPG’s Director of Government Relations and League Partnerships. “If they involve financial stakes, uncertain outcomes, and repeated participation, we must consider the public health implications and ensure appropriate, consistent protections are in place.” 

Healthcare Screening Remains Rare 

Despite widespread participation and public concern, only 15% of Americans report ever being asked about their gambling behavior by a primary care provider. By contrast, routine screening for alcohol and tobacco use is common in healthcare settings. 

“This represents a significant missed opportunity for early identification and intervention,” Heather said. “Gambling-related harm is often invisible until it becomes severe. Screening in healthcare settings can help normalize conversations and connect people to support earlier.” 

The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NCPG from February 19–23, 2026 among 2,072 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,975 are ages 21 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ±2.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. 

The survey asked adults aged 21 and older to reflect on gambling participation before age 21 and did not distinguish between states where certain forms of gambling are legal at 18 and those restricted to 21 and older, nor between participation with regulated versus unregulated operators. 

Download the complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample size at: https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NCPG_tabs-1.pdf. 

Gambling Disorder Screening Day is on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. If you or a loved one is looking to do a free self assessment, visit NCPGambling.org/assessment.