Study Explores How Adolescent Boys Are Being Tricked into Gambling

Summary

A new report from Common Sense Media, “Betting on Boys: Understanding Gambling Among Adolescent Boys”, finds gambling is widespread among boys under 18. More than a third of boys gamble before adulthood, and gambling now appears more often in sports betting and gaming mechanics such as loot boxes and skin cases rather than in casinos or at card tables.

The study highlights algorithmic exposure on social platforms: nearly half of boys who gamble see gambling-promoting material online, and about 60% of 11-to-17-year-olds reported seeing gambling ads on YouTube and social media. Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer calls the findings “absolutely astounding” and urges action including mandatory age verification and tighter ad rules.

Key Points

Over one third of adolescent boys gamble before turning 18, often outside traditional venues.
Gambling-like mechanics in video games (loot boxes, skin cases) are blurring the line between play and betting.
Algorithmic recommendations and social media amplify gambling exposure; ~60% of 11–17-year-olds see gambling ads on platforms like YouTube.
Influencers and creators contribute to normalising gambling content even among teens who don’t gamble themselves.
Common Sense Media recommends industry accountability, mandatory age checks and stricter advertising limits to protect vulnerable young people.

Why should I read this?

Short version: this study is a proper alarm bell. If you care about kids, policy or the tech that feeds them content, read it — fast. It shows gambling has slipped into the apps and games boys already use, fuelled by algorithms and ads. The piece is punchy and points to concrete fixes (age checks, tighter ads) — so it’s worth the three-minute read if you want the nutshell plus the policy angle.