A joint investigation by ABC11 and the ABC News Investigative Unit finds a growing number of teenagers in North Carolina are gambling, raising concerns among health experts about addiction risks tied to the expansion of online sports betting. Experts warn that adolescents encounter gambling opportunities at a developmental stage that increases the risk of harm.
Rising Participation and Addiction Risks
Health officials in North Carolina report that gambling is already widespread among young people in the state. According to Kelly Crosbie, assistant secretary for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use services at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, survey data shows significant participation: almost 28% of young people in North Carolina say they’ve gambled. Research shows that many gambling disorders begin during adolescence, making early exposure particularly concerning. Data from the Journal of Behavioral Addictions indicate that up to 7% of young people who gamble are diagnosed with a gambling disorder.
Brain development during adolescence increases vulnerability to addiction. Health officials note that this period is critical, as young people’s brains are particularly susceptible. Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, observes that “over the past few years, we’ve seen a big uptick in the amount of online gambling by young people, particularly young boys here in the United States.”
Industry Growth and Platform Design
Online sportsbooks generated at least $3.7 billion in taxes for state and local governments in 2025 alone, according to the Legal Sports Report. Dr. Harry Levant, an advocate with the Public Health Advisory Institute, argues that betting platforms are engineered to encourage constant engagement, questioning when “play-by-play” betting options became mainstream entertainment. Industry representatives acknowledge the risks: Joe Maloney, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, states that operators “surround players with every opportunity to adopt tools and resources that can help govern their play.”
Prevention and Policy Response
North Carolina offers help for gambling problems through phone and online services, with educational programs to schools warning teens about online gambling dangers. Kelly Crosbie advocates that prevention efforts should increase alongside industry growth, arguing that revenue generated by gambling companies should help fund youth-focused prevention programs. The issue has drawn attention in Washington, where officials are calling on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the effects of youth gambling nationwide.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/team-finds-rise-teen-gambling-004641191.html