The Hidden Risks of Teen Gambling: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
The Hidden Risks of Teen Gambling: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
In recent years, gambling has quietly shifted from casinos and racetracks into the palms of our hands. Sports betting apps, online gaming platforms, and social media contests make it easier than ever for teens to encounter gambling-like activities. While many adults view gambling as a harmless pastime, research shows that teens are especially vulnerable to its risks—and that gambling can quickly spiral into a destructive cycle that impacts mental health, family relationships, and future well-being.
Why Teens Are at Risk
Adolescence is a period of rapid brain development, particularly in areas of impulse control and decision-making. This makes teenagers more prone to risk-taking and less able to fully recognize the long-term consequences of their actions. The fast-paced, reward-driven nature of gambling appeals directly to these developmental vulnerabilities.
Gambling often overlaps with activities that seem “normal” to teens, such as:
Sports betting tied to favorite teams and athletes.
Video games with loot boxes or “pay-to-win” mechanics, which mimic the thrill of chance.
Social gambling on apps or with peers, which can make risky behaviors feel socially acceptable.
Warning Signs of Teen Gambling
Parents and caregivers may not always recognize when gambling becomes a problem. Signs to watch for include:
Unexplained requests for money or missing cash.
Obsessive interest in sports scores, online games, or betting apps.
Secretive behavior around technology use.
Emotional swings tied to wins and losses.
Declining academic performance or withdrawal from activities.
The Mental Health Connection
Gambling is not just a financial issue—it’s a mental health concern. For some teens, gambling becomes a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. The “high” of winning creates a powerful reward response in the brain, but losses often lead to shame, secrecy, and compulsive behaviors. Over time, this cycle can contribute to worsening anxiety, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts.
The Kraft Group Difference: Decades of Expertise and Leadership
What sets The Kraft Group Inc. apart is our foundation of experience and excellence. Our founder, Leigh Kolodny-Kraft, LPC, LCADC, CSAT-S, has over 30 years of experience in the field of mental health and addiction. She has been recognized nationally with multiple awards for her outstanding work in addiction counseling and trauma-informed care. Every member of our clinical team is supervised under her expertise, ensuring that the highest standards of care guide every therapy session. This means that when families turn to us for help with teen gambling or other challenges, they benefit not only from compassionate therapists but also from the wisdom and leadership of a nationally recognized expert in the field.
How to Support Teens at Risk
Start open conversations about money, risk-taking, and healthy ways to cope with stress.
Model responsible behavior—teens learn from what they see at home.
Set limits on technology to reduce exposure to gambling platforms.
Encourage alternative outlets like sports, arts, or peer groups that build confidence and connection.
Seek professional support if gambling has become a source of conflict or distress.
Our Approach at The Kraft Group Inc.
At The Kraft Group Inc. in Florham Park, NJ, we understand that teen gambling is rarely about the money itself—it’s about what lies beneath. Whether it’s the need for excitement, relief from stress, or the search for belonging, we take a trauma-informed approach that addresses both the behavior and its emotional roots.
Our therapists support teens and families by helping them:
Build healthier coping skills.
Strengthen communication and trust.
Manage urges and triggers.
Explore underlying emotional challenges in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
A Path Forward
Gambling may be marketed as fun and harmless, but for teens, it can open the door to serious challenges. By staying informed, paying attention to warning signs, and reaching out for support, families can interrupt the cycle before it takes hold.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s gambling, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team at The Kraft Group Inc., under the leadership of Leigh Kolodny-Kraft, offers teen gambling counseling in New Jersey designed to help your family find hope, healing, and healthier paths forward.
Located in Florham Park, NJ | Serving Morris County, Essex County, and the surrounding communities.