ABOUT YOUNG ADULTS

What Can You Do About Problem Gambling?

Families, Friends or Concerned Others

Counselors and Student Health Center Staff

Athletes and Athletic Directors

Young adulthood—the stage of life between 18 and 29—is characterized by opportunity, independence and exploration. But it can also bring pressures, impulsivity and risk-taking. One such concern at this life stage is problem gambling.

Whether it’s sports betting, online casinos, card games or slots, gambling can go from entertainment to harm faster than many realize.

The brain’s decision-making center—the prefrontal cortex—is still developing into the mid-20s. This affects impulse control and judgment.

Why This Age Group Is Especially at Risk

Young adults are more likely to:

Take financial risks without long-term planning.
Seek high-stimulation activities and quick rewards.
Be influenced by peer pressure and social media trends.
Have limited experience recognizing the warning signs of problem gambling.

Warning signs of problem gambling

For young adults

ISOLATION. Spends less time with people, hides gambling behavior, feels shame

SOCIAL LIFE. Less time socializing with friends, spends more time with new "gambling" friends

BEHAVIOR CHANGES. Becomes erratic, manic and more impulsive

ACTIVITY CHANGES. Stops or changes regular activities or hobbies

INCREASED INTEREST IN SPORTS. Suddenly more interested in sports, statistics, scores and players

MONEY. Suddenly has less—or more—money; may be more generous than normal

SUBJECT MATTER: Talks about get rich quick schemes or fantasy wins

MORE VARIED GAMBLING. Involved in more types of gambling; seems to want to place wagers on everything

OBSESSION WITH DEBT. Talks a lot about debt and resulting depression ("My family would be better off without me")

PHYSICAL SIGNS. Gets less sleep, experiences changes in diet/weight and hygiene, has unexplained injury or pain

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE SUFFERS. May have a sudden drop in grades or class attendance.

Families, Friends or Concerned Others of Young Adult Gamblers

Happy group of trendy young people laughing together sitting outdoor

How can it happen? Listen to the story of how this young adult became addicted to gambling.

Listen to His Story

For many young adults, gambling can seem like harmless entertainment. Sports betting, online casinos, fantasy contests and other forms of gambling are easier than ever to access, while advertising and social media can make gambling feel like a normal part of everyday life. But for some people, gambling can become difficult to control. Young adults ages 18–29 may be particularly vulnerable as they navigate new independence, financial responsibilities, college, work and relationships.

It’s important to recognize the signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:

Gambling more often or spending more money than planned
Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
Thinking frequently about gambling or feeling restless when not gambling
Using money needed for rent, food, school or other expenses to gamble
Gambling to escape stress, boredom, loneliness or other difficult feelings
Hiding or minimizing gambling from friends or family
Borrowing money or selling possessions to continue gambling
Experiencing problems at school, work or in relationships because of gambling

Gambling problems can lead to:

Relationship issues
Financial hardship
Mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression
Employment-related problems

Prevention starts with awareness and healthy boundaries. Gamblers should set a gambling budget before they begin and never gamble with money needed for necessities. They should take regular breaks, avoid gambling when stressed or upset, and remember that gambling is not a reliable way to make money.

If you’re concerned about your own gambling—or the gambling of a friend, roommate, partner or family member—you’re not alone. Most people in Minnesota can receive help at no cost by contacting the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-333-4673 (HOPE). Students can also talk with a campus counselor or student health service.

Our Concerned Others page offers guidance for parents, partners, friends, roommates and others who may be affected by a young adult’s gambling. You’ll find information on recognizing warning signs, starting a conversation, protecting your finances and finding counseling, peer support and other resources. You don’t have to navigate the situation alone.

Campus Counselors and Student Health Center Staff

Know that problem gambling is often co-occurring with anxiety, depression, ADHD and history of trauma. Early intervention can make an important difference.

Gambling disorder is known as the silent addiction. Unlike substance use, it doesn’t leave physical signs, but the consequences are just as real.

The signs that students may have—or be developing—gambling disorder include:

Academic decline
Financial anxiety or frequent borrowing
Preoccupation with betting apps or sports outcomes
Lying or secrecy around spending
Mood disorders linked to wins/losses

Campus counselors and student health center staff can:

Incorporate gambling screening questions into intakes and assessments.
Collaborate with financial aid and student life staff to identify at-risk students.
Refer students to treatment or gambling-specific support groups.

Campus counselors and student health center staff can find more information about addiction providers here.

Athletes and Athletic Directors

Ultimately, for athletes, gambling can cost more than money—it can end athletic careers.

Athletes are uniquely vulnerable to gambling harm for several reasons:

They are immersed in competitive environments, and gambling can feel like an extension of sports.
They may believe they have insider knowledge that makes gambling seem less risky.
The stress of performance, injury, career uncertainty and short professional lifespans can lead athletes to seek escapes or coping mechanisms, such as gambling.

Athletic directors and coaches play a crucial role. They can:

Promote open conversations about gambling risk.
Model healthy behaviors.
Recognize warning signs, such as secrecy, mood swings, financial distress or loss of interest in the game itself.

Athletes and athletic directors can learn about issues associated with sports betting here.

Watch this video that offers valuable insight into how sports betting is affecting today’s young adults.