The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has introduced a free online course to educate high school students about the risks of sports betting. The initiative comes amid growing concern over increased youth exposure to gambling through mobile apps, social media, and sports media advertising.
Even though minors aren’t legally permitted to engage in U.S. sports betting, they’re still at risk due to being inundated with advertisements while watching sports.
With how easy it is to engage with mobile sports betting apps, wagering has become more accessible and appealing for youth. Since adolescents are still developing decision-making skills and impulse control, they are particularly vulnerable to risky gambling behavior.
In a public statement, the NFHS highlights how a national poll conducted by University of Michigan Health found that only one in four parents has talked with their teen about online betting. Additionally, only one in six said they likely would not know if their child was participating.
Another national study reported that 68 percent of individuals ages 12 to 21 had gambled within the past year, so it’s clear that some youth are gaining access even though they’re underage.
The course outlines the potential consequences of sports betting for student-athletes, including financial difficulties, mental health issues, and strained relationships. It also emphasizes how gambling can disrupt team chemistry and damage a school’s reputation.
By promoting early awareness, the program aims to help both students and adults identify warning signs and make informed choices. When youth are immediately informed about the risks of sports betting, they’re less likely to engage in problem gambling. It’s a proactive approach to prioritizing player safety.
This course can be helpful, especially since the NFHS Learning Center has hosted more than 100 online courses and millions of courses overall since its 2007 launch.
The NFHS Learning Center’s online course highlights how youth are still able to access sports betting despite being underage. This underscores a need for sportsbooks to implement stronger safeguards to prevent this from happening.
One major concern is the effectiveness of age verification systems on betting platforms. Although most apps require users to confirm they are of legal age, these measures can often be bypassed. Strengthening identity verification processes and increasing accountability for platforms could help limit youth access.
In addition, reducing the volume of gambling advertisements, particularly during sporting events popular with younger audiences, can help decrease youth exposure to these ads.
Parental awareness also plays a critical role. With data from the University of Michigan Health showing that many parents are either unaware of or have not discussed online betting with their children, there is a clear need for more open conversations at home. Schools and communities can support this by integrating gambling education into broader health and wellness programs.
Ultimately, preventing underage betting will likely require a combination of stricter regulations and continued efforts to raise awareness.
