It’s Time To
Start The
Conversation

The Gambling Landscape is Evolving Quickly

Gambling in Canada is regulated by provincial and territorial governments. The legal gambling age ranges from 18 to 19, depending on the type of activity and the province or territory.

As parents and caregivers, you’re already doing so much to keep your teen safe and healthy. You’re navigating conversations about online safety, mental health, relationships, substance use and the challenges of growing up in a digital world. But there’s one emerging risk that might not be on your radar, and it’s hiding in plain sight.

Gambling has evolved far beyond physical casinos and lottery tickets. Today’s teens experience increased exposure to gambling through sports betting apps, social media influencers, and advertising. Gambling-like elements have integrated into ‘mainstream’ forms of entertainment by being embedded in video games and free to play casino or sports betting games. The Ontario numbers tell the story (Boak, Elton-Marshall, Mann, & Hamilton, 2023):

1 in 4

of students report gambling while playing a video game in the past year—spending real money on loot boxes, keys, or in-game currency.

81%

of youth can recall at least one gambling brand linked to sports events, and those with high advertisement recall are 2–3 times more likely to intend to gamble compared to those with low exposure.

8%

of students reported betting money on an online game in the past year, while another 16% participated in other gambling activities like card games or scratch cards.

Early exposure matters:

Research shows that the earlier the age of first gambling experience, the greater the prediction of gambling problems later in life.

The landscape has changed quickly, and many young people are engaged in these activities before they, their parents or caregivers fully understand the risks involved.

What Gambling Harm Looks Like in Teens

Gambling problems can be hard to spot, especially in teens. Unlike substance use, there may be no physical signs. But there are behavioural and emotional changes to watch for:

  • Unexplained requests for money, missing cash or gift cards, unauthorized use of credit cards, or selling of personal belongings
  • Increased secrecy, irritability, anxiety, or depression, especially related to their phone or gaming habits
  •  Pulling away from family activities, sports, hobbies they once enjoyed, or spending less time with friends
  • Dropping grades, missing assignments, reduced focus, or skipping classes
  • Suddenly having unexplained cash, new items, or expensive purchases
  • Constantly checking scores, odds, or betting apps, talking frequently about ‘winning’ or ‘strategies’

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to approach the situation with interest and care, not judgment.

 

The good news? You’re already equipped with the skills to have this conversation.

The same caring, open approach you bring to other important topics works here too. This page will give you the information and confidence you need to recognize signs of gambling harm, start meaningful conversations, and support your teen in making healthy choices.

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is here to help. For more than 40 years, we’ve been Canada’s leading independent resource for gambling harm prevention.

 

Why This Matters

Underage gambling is on the rise. Research shows that adolescents are increasingly participating in gambling and gambling-like activities, from placing bets on sports to spending money on loot boxes in video games. And the consequences can be serious: financial problems, mental health challenges, damaged relationships, and interference with school and future opportunities.

But you have more influence than you think. Studies show that parental or caregiver involvement, open communication, and family connectedness are among the strongest protective factors against gambling harm in young people.

That’s why we’re equipping you with the information you need to help guide your teen in making positive decisions.

 

 

 

Boak, A., Elton-Marshall, T., Mann, R. E., & Hamilton, H. A. (2023). The mental health and well-being of Ontario students, 1977-2023: Detailed findings from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.