Changing Youth Gambling Behaviors in Light of Expanded Sports Wagering

Youth gambling behaviors are increasing alongside expanded sports wagering, with growing overlap between gambling and gaming risks such as loot boxes. The class reviews trends, mental health connections, key risk factors, and prevention strategies based on survey data and real-world interventions.

Price: Free

Credit

1 CE

Prerequisite

None

Class Description

This presentation explores the growing prevalence of youth gambling behaviors, particularly in light of expanded sports wagering. It examines the intersection of gambling and gaming, including risky loot box behaviors, and their connections to mental health challenges and adverse childhood experiences. By using data from surveys and real-world prevention initiatives, the class highlights trends, risk factors, and potential interventions to address youth gambling and gaming disorders.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the relationship between expanded sports wagering and increased youth gambling behaviors
  • Explain at least three specific ways mental health challenges and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to increased gambling risks among adolescents
  • Evaluate the role of loot boxes and gaming-related gambling in fostering risky gambling behaviors among youth
  • Develop at least three specific strategies to use survey data for implementing community-based prevention and intervention programs targeting youth gambling behaviors

Educational Goals

  • Make students aware of youth gambling problems
  • Examine changes in youth gambling behaviors after legalized sports wagering
  • Gambling prevention programs for youth

Outline

  • Legalization and Expansion of Sports Wagering: 10 min
  • Youth Gambling and Gaming Behaviors: 10 min
  • Mental Health and Gambling Risk Factors: 10 min
  • Prevention and Intervention Strategies: 10 min
  • Adolescent Problem Gambling Research: 10 min
  • Public Awareness and Education: 10 min

Topics: Youth, Sports Betting, At-Risk Populations, Social Media

Class Content