Feb 21, 2026 | RESEARCH, YOUTH GAMBLING
Read the original article on The BASIS.
By John Slabczynski
Gambling can create financial, social, psychological, and physical harms. Of particular concern is suicidality, which recent research has identified as a potential gambling harm. As we undergo worldwide gambling expansion, it is imperative that public health experts and the gamblers themselves know more about this link, including whether problem gambling predicts future suicidality. This week The WAGER reviews a study by Oliver Bastiani and colleagues that explored the relationship between problem gambling and suicidality among the same participants over time.
What were the research questions?
Do gambling problems predict future suicidality?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a United Kingdom-based birth cohort study. They limited their analysis to data collected from 2,801 participants who completed assessments between the ages of 16 and 25. During these years, participants provided information on their suicidality and gambling problems. The researchers used logistic regression to examine whether having gambling problems at age 20 or 24 increased the odds of reporting past-year suicide attempts at age 24 or 25, controlling for some known risk factors such as sex, alcohol consumption/harms, and previous suicide attempts.
What did they find?
Most participants reported no problem gambling at both age 20 (70.4%) and age 24 (76.5%). Approximately 2.6% reported a past-year suicide attempt at age 24 and 1.9% did so at age 251. Problem gambling severity at age 24 was associated with increased odds of past-year suicide attempt at the same age. Longitudinal analyses revealed that problem gambling at age 20 was predictive of past-year suicide attempts at age 24 but not at age 25. On a shorter timespan, problem gambling at age 24 predicted past-year suicide attempts at age 25. (See Figure.)
Figure. Displays the odds of reporting past year suicidality at ages 24 and 25 by problem gambling severity at ages 20 and 24. Odds ratios can be interpreted as having X times higher odds of reporting an event. For example, a one-point increase in problem gambling severity (e.g., answering “most of the time” instead of “sometimes” on one question) at age 24 was associated with having 1.13 times higher odds of reporting past year suicidality at age 24.
Why do these findings matter?
These findings provide more support for the idea that problem gambling contributes to future suicidality, because in this study, problem gambling preceded suicide attempts. Because problem gambling can be detected and managed at an early stage, it is essential to spread the word about brief gambling screening to healthcare providers and anyone else in a position to intervene, such as college health services staff and debt counselors. Furthermore, public health advocates can use this information to more effectively advocate for preventive tools like mandatory cool-off periods, which can disrupt gambling flow states and discourage long sessions, or tighter regulations on gambling and gambling advertising.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations in this study?
The relationship between problem gambling and suicidality is probably more complicated than a single study can reveal. For instance, this study did not explore the possibility that suicidality predicted future problem gambling (i.e., reverse causality), which might happen if people develop gambling problems while trying to escape from painful suicidal thoughts. Another complication is that problem gambling tends to occur alongside depression, anxiety, and illicit drug use, which the researchers were unable to control for, and which might have partly accounted for the relationships with suicide attempts.
Jan 29, 2026 | PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESEARCH, SPORTS BETTING, YOUTH GAMBLING
Read the original article on The BASIS here.
By John Slabczynski
As legalized sports betting grows in popularity, public health experts have raised concerns about its potential harms. As advertisers and sports leagues continue to make gambling a key part of spectatorship, this could normalize betting as a natural part of sports fandom. Previous research suggests that these practices are contributing to an increase in gambling problems, particularly among young adults. To better address these concerns, public health advocates need to understand the specific problems associated with young adult sports betting. This week, The WAGER reviews a study by Nerilee Hing and colleagues that explored young adult sports bettors’ experiences of gambling harm and their perspectives on changing their gambling behavior.
What were the research questions?
(1) How do young adult sports bettors experience gambling harms? (2) How do they conceptualize and engage in changing harmful gambling?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers recruited 50 Australians between the ages of 18 and 25 who reported experiencing moderate or severe harm from sports betting in the past year. Participants completed interviews with the research team that asked about the nature of sports betting-related harms they experienced, perceived barriers and facilitators of gambling behavior change, and strategies they used to change their gambling. The researchers then coded the transcribed interviews to identify relevant themes.
What did they find?
The interviews revealed five distinct types of sports betting-related harm: 1) financial harm, 2) harm to mental health, 3) harm to work or study, 4) relationship harm, and 5) harm to physical health. Participants reported that many of these harms built up over time and intersected with one another. For example, several participants indicated that financial harms grew over time, and that these harms worsened their mental health. At the time of interviews, some participants were unwilling to change their gambling behavior. Others, however, pointed to improved knowledge of gambling disorder and an awareness of gambling harms as key factors in choosing to change their harmful behavior (see Figure).
Figure. Displays participant quotes representing each theme identified through thematic analysis. Click image to enlarge.
Why do these findings matter?
Information on the types of harm experienced by young adult sports gamblers can help public health practitioners identify potential gambling problems quickly and accurately, allowing for timely intervention and support before more significant harms happen. This study’s findings on behavior change are especially important. Many participants emphasized the value of awareness of gambling as an addiction as a catalyst for behavior change. Initiatives such as The Faces of Gambling that highlight how gambling problems develop from the perspective of people with lived experience may be especially effective in reducing the prevalence of gambling harms.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations in this study?
This study screened participants for a history of experiencing gambling harms using a list of previously researched harms, which may have primed the sample to report these very same types of harm. Similarly, because the study focused on moderate to severe cases of gambling disorder among young adults, the results of this study may not be generalizable to those who experience less severe forms of the condition, or the wider gambling population.
Dec 17, 2025 | ABOUT MNAPG, ADVOCACY, PROFESSIONALS, YOUTH GAMBLING
MNAPG attended two conferences in October: the mid-year Indian Gaming Association (IGA) conference and the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) conference. Here are some takeaways.
Indian Gaming Association Conference
At the IGA, the focus was on the growing concern about prediction markets and casino sweepstakes—and the impact these unregulated, untaxed platforms could have on tribal revenues. Legalized gambling, whether you agree with it or not, has allowed Minnesota tribal nations to expand and diversify their economies and provide a wide range of services to their communities. These market disrupters are viewed as existential threats to tribal sustainability and independence. (Editor’s note: As of November 5, 2025, the Minnesota Attorney General’s office sent cease-and-desist letters to 14 illegal gambling operators—sports betting and casino sweepstakes.)
The American Gaming Association also recognizes the threats these new platforms pose—not only to gambling revenue but also to consumer protection. Our current federal anti-regulatory environment could significantly change how people engage with gambling. By redefining gambling as a commodity and placing it under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), these platforms may create a stronger illusion of control—skill rather than luck. This illusion is a common fallacy among gamblers, especially sports bettors. Mislabeling gambling products as “trading” blurs the line between investing and gambling, putting consumers at risk. The way these platforms target young adults is particularly troubling. They are designed for continuous, habit-forming engagement, with no guardrails or risk warnings.
The discussions were sobering and, for MNAPG, highlighted yet another area where we need to pay close attention and raise awareness within the community and among policymakers.
International Center for Responsible Gaming Conference
The ICRG conference, a day and a half of research reveals, provided an opportunity to hear firsthand the latest findings in responsible gambling, explore emerging tools and regulatory practices, and discuss the growing integration of responsible gambling principles into the broader gambling landscape. While much work remains, I’m encouraged by the shift among some operators to place greater emphasis on consumer protection. Our advocacy efforts at the national and state levels are having a positive impact, and we need to continue being the thorn in operators’ sides.
One session examined the connection between gambling literacy and financial literacy and the need to evolve both so that users understand how risky behaviors can develop through new mediums like digital finance, investment platforms and social media.
Another session focused on artificial intelligence and emphasized that AI should amplify human insight, not replace it. Advances in AI may eventually enhance early risk detection and enable personalized responsible gambling interventions—but only if we eliminate bias and uphold the highest standards of privacy protection.
Finally, researchers studying youth emphasized the need to create relatable prevention materials and deliver them in the spaces where young people actually spend their time, rather than where we think they should be. They also highlighted the importance of developing prevention programs that account for gender, age and cultural identity.
Nov 26, 2025 | PROBLEM GAMBLING, YOUTH GAMBLING
Read the original article on the BASIS here.
By Kira Landauer, MPH
Livestreaming is a popular form of digital entertainment that allows viewers to watch content online as it happens live. Gambling livestreams are popular on platforms like Twitch and TikTok Live, where streamers broadcast themselves gambling with real money and in real time—playing games like online slots or placing sports bets. Audiences can watch the gameplay, listen to the streamer’s commentary, and interact directly with both the streamer and other viewers. What may seem like harmless fun could be problematic for some, with research linking gambling livestream viewership to future gambling intentions and problem gambling. This week, as part of our Special Series on Addiction and Technology, The WAGER reviews a study by Chelsea Hughes and colleagues that examined young adults’ experiences with and perceptions of gambling livestreaming.
What were the research questions?
(1) What motivates young adults to watch and engage with gambling livestreams? (2) How do they perceive their livestream viewing experiences?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 young adults (ages 18 to 24) in the U.K. who regularly watched gambling livestreams (at least once a week) and had gambled in the past year. Participants described their reasons for watching, how they engaged with the livestreams, and their experiences as a viewer. Using thematic analysis, the researchers identified themes related to the meaning and value viewers attributed to their experiences.
What did they find?
The researchers identified three themes (see Figure).
- Social experiences and vicarious excitement describes the parasocial bonds viewers formed with streamers. Even as observers, viewers felt they were sharing in the streamer’s risk-taking and excitement, which created a sense of emotional connection. Many watched not only for gambling content but because they enjoyed the streamer’s personality.
- Interactivity and building loyalty highlights how livestream features—like gamified loyalty (earning points for engaging with the stream) and interactive prediction tools (wagering points on outcomes)—encouraged viewers to participate and feel more invested in the livestream’s outcomes.
- The urge and harm paradox reflects how participants viewed livestreams as a safer way to manage gambling urges, even though watching sometimes intensified those same urges. Some reported that watching livestreams contributed to an increase in their own gambling participation, despite recognizing the influence of streamers’ deceptive marketing tactics.
Figure. Key themes from young adults’ gambling livestream viewership, with quotes highlighting each subtheme. Click image to enlarge.
Why do these findings matter?
These findings show that young adults are drawn to gambling livestreams for various, often intertwined, reasons. Many viewers feel a personal connection to their favorite streamers. This sense of social connection and community is enhanced by interactive, gamified livestream features that encourage viewer engagement. These findings can inform regulatory policies intended to reduce potential harms. For example, streaming platforms might limit or ban gambling livestreams, or restrict gambling operators from advertising through streamers. The study also indicates that watching these streams is not a reliable way to manage gambling urges, and that for some viewers it may actually worsen cravings. Gambling treatment providers should be aware of gambling livestreams and factor the effects of watching and engaging in these streams into return-to-gambling prevention planning.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations in this study?
More than half of the sample gambled frequently (20+ times in the past month) and were high-risk gamblers according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index. Therefore, these findings may not be generalizable to low-frequency or low-risk gamblers, or to contexts outside the U.K. where streaming culture, gambling culture, and regulations might differ. Finally, the study cannot determine the causal relationship between livestream viewership and gambling behavior.
Sep 5, 2025 | ADVOCACY, YOUTH GAMBLING
The increasing concern over youth gambling was explored in May in a KARE11 story. The segment featured Susan Sheridan Tucker, MNAPG executive director, and Serena King Ph.D., professor of Psychology at Hamline University, with whom MNAGP has partnered on several projects.
The news story cited “Frequent and Problem Gambling in Public School Students,” a letter (study) which examines data from the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, a large-scale, statewide study of middle and high school students that takes place every three years.
A key finding of the research was that Minnesota students, like Minnesotans at large, are finding ways to gamble, even as sports gambling officially remains illegal in the state. The letter noted that nearly 8% of 8th, 9th and 11th grade Minnesota public school students reported gambling once a week or more. Given that the underlying data is three years old—and with gambling appearing to experience a steady rise—it’s logical to conclude that youth gambling participation may be even higher now.
Dr. King’s research found that 88.6% of those considered “frequent gamblers” (students gambling once or more per week) and 89.2% of those considered “problem gamblers” (gambling in the past year and scoring a 4 or more on the Brief Adolescent Gambling Screen) gambled on informal sports and games. This category included betting on informal games of personal skill, such as playing cards, video games, pool, golf, etc. Frequent gamblers were considerably less likely to gamble on formal sports/games (official sporting events, including esports), lottery and scratch-offs, online (including loot boxes) and at casinos.
“I think what it tells us is it’s culturally embedded in our community,” says Dr. King, who has studied youth gambling and problem gambling for 20 years. She says the data clearly shows that mental health and health care providers should be screening kids who report that they are gambling or if families mention that their child is betting in any way.
“If a child is wagering or engaging in micro transactions inside video games or on Youtube, those platforms could lead a child to gamble,” says Dr. King. “These are areas where physicians and mental health providers might be wise to have a conversation and use a screening tool.”
It’s important to teach children and families that sports betting is pervasive and could lead a child to engage in problem gambling behavior, as kids likely do not have the capacity to understand risks they’re taking.
In the KARE11 story, Susan emphasized that many people treated for gambling addiction were first exposed to gambling as young kids, highlighting the need to monitor youth gambling and provide appropriate education and prevention messaging.
MNAPG will be contracting with Dr. King for an updated study later this year that will compare 2022 data to 2025 data.
Feb 3, 2025 | RESEARCH, YOUTH GAMBLING
By Nakita Sconsoni, MSW
Read the original article on the BASIS here.
Many adolescents may be exposed to gambling without realizing it. For example, youth who play video games may encounter chance-based mini-games that resemble actual gambling activities like roulette and blackjack, or they may purchase or be rewarded with mystery, in-game prizes, like loot boxes. These simulated gambling activities can lead to at-risk or problem gambling among adolescents. But how do we effectively safeguard young people from experiencing gambling harm? This week, The WAGER reviews a study by Lisa Lole and colleagues that identified adolescents’ views on how they can be better protected from gambling-related harm.
What was the research question?
According to adolescents, what strategies can be used to protect them from gambling-related harm?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers used recruitment agencies and online advertisements to obtain a sample of 89 adolescents aged 12-17 from Australia, and then surveyed them about gambling experiences via one-on-one interviews or an online discussion forum. Participants were screened for problem gambling using the DSM-IV-MR-J criteria and also answered open-ended questions about their gambling engagement. Participants then responded to questions about how adolescents could be protected from gambling harm (1) within their homes, (2) at school, (3) through advertisement/marketing practices, and (4) on a broader regulatory level. The researchers used the thematic analysis approach to analyze participants’ responses.
What did they find?
The most widely-recognized theme among participants was the desire for honesty about how gambling — and its associated harms — is communicated to them and represented in the media. Participants felt that rather than simply prohibiting gambling activities, parents can protect their children from gambling harm by including them in conversations about gambling and educating them about risks and responsible gambling practices (see Figure). Similarly, they felt that schools should use lived experience narratives to educate students about the addictive nature of gambling and the reality of gambling odds. On a broader scale, participants noted that gambling advertisements can be overly positive and misleading, and should not be broadcast on mediums that are frequently used by adolescents such as gaming and social media platforms. Instead, marketing campaigns should provide a more realistic understanding of gambling, including potentially negative outcomes, how to resist the temptation to gamble, and where to access help. Lastly, participants argued for gambling regulation reform, particularly within simulated gambling activities. They advocated for limits on in-game gambling features and in-game spending, as well as stricter age limits.
Figure. Direct quotes from participants on how to prevent gambling harm among adolescents, separated into four categories: (1) strategies that can be implemented with parents/guardians, (2) within the school system, (3) through advertising/marketing practices, and (4) through gambling regulations. Click image to enlarge.
Why do these findings matter?
These findings suggest that adolescents recognize the need for a collective response to gambling prevention and education, with special considerations for young people. This public health effort needs to go beyond any approach that places the burden solely on the individual gambler to “gamble responsibility.” Instead, it should be the responsibility of various stakeholders to protect today’s youth from gambling-related harm, including parents/guardians, the school system (e.g., teachers and counselors), and gambling operators/regulators.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations of this study?
The researchers did not use representative sampling, the sample size was relatively small, and all participants were from Australia. So, the findings might not be generalizable to adolescents from other areas. This study also relied on self-reported data, which could be subject to recall or social desirability bias.
For more information:
Do you think that you or someone you know might have a gambling problem? Visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for screening tools and resources. For additional resources, including gambling and self-help tools, visit our Addiction Resources page.
— Nakita Sconsoni, MSW
