The American Problem Gambling Council recently released a national survey showing that the age at which American adults are exposed to gambling is much earlier than the legal age. Among respondents aged 21 and over, 65% said they had participated in at least one form of gambling before the age of 21, which is the minimum legal gambling age in most states in the US. Simply put, most Americans have already "taken the plunge" before it was legal. The survey also found that younger generations are exposed to sports betting earlier than older ones, and only 15% of respondents were asked by their primary care physicians about their gambling habits, showing the healthcare system's neglect of this behavioral health issue. Want to know the latest data on gambling addiction in the US? PASA's official website continues to track industry and social cross-issues.
First, widespread exposure among teenagers, with lotteries and family games as the main entry points
Among those who admitted to gambling before the age of 21, the most common forms of participation were buying lottery tickets or scratch cards, accounting for 40%. This was closely followed by playing money-involved family games with friends or family, accounting for 37%. Sports betting ranked third, with 23% admitting to betting before the age of 21, while participation in online casino-style games and fantasy sports were 21% and 16% respectively.
Data reveals generational differences. In the age group of 21 to 44, 33% said they had participated in sports betting before the age of 21, while only 11% of those aged 55 and over did so. This indicates that younger generations are exposed to sports betting earlier than their predecessors.
Public concern about teenagers' exposure to gambling is widespread. 66% of respondents expressed concern about the impact of gambling or similar activities on minors, with 25% being "very concerned". In families with underage children, the proportion of concern rose to 71%, higher than the 62% in families without children.
Second, high awareness of addiction, but severe lack of medical screening
The survey shows that the American public has a clear understanding of the severity of gambling addiction. 79% of respondents believe that gambling addiction is "as serious" or "more serious" than alcohol or drug addiction, with 30% considering it "more serious". Heather Maurel, executive director of the Problem Gambling Council, pointed out that this shows that most Americans have recognized gambling addiction as a legitimate behavioral health issue, and the next step is to have the public health system, policies, and prevention strategies reflect this recognition.
However, despite high awareness, medical screening is severely lacking. Only 15% of respondents said their primary care physicians had asked about their gambling habits, in stark contrast to the routine screening for alcohol and tobacco use. Maurel emphasized that this represents a significant missed opportunity for early identification and intervention, as gambling-related harm often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe, and screening in medical settings can help normalize related conversations and provide support early on.
Third, prediction market controversy: 30% of the public views it as gambling
With sports betting legalized in 39 states and the District of Columbia, online prediction markets also operate nationwide. When asked how they understand the prediction market, 30% of Americans consider it most similar to "gambling", a proportion that exceeds those who compare it to "financial forecasting" (24%) or "investing" (18%). Cole Vogman, director of government relations at the Problem Gambling Council, calls for consistent consumer protection measures for platforms that functionally equate to gambling. He emphasizes that as long as money betting, uncertain outcomes, and repeated participation are involved, its public health impact must be considered, and appropriate, consistent protective measures must be in place.
The survey was conducted online from February 19 to 23, 2026, and interviewed 2072 adults aged 18 and over, of which 1975 were aged 21 and above. The margin of error for the survey results is plus or minus 2.7 percentage points (95% confidence level).
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This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leader" gambling industry news channel: https://t.me/pasa_news
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