Teen sports betting is rising in U.S. schools, leading educators to integrate risk education into financial literacy courses amid concerns over illegal participation.
Rising Teen Involvement
- A January 2023 report by Common Sense Media found that 36% of boys aged 11-17 gambled in the past year, increasing to 49% for those 17 and older.
- A November 2023 survey by Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) revealed that 83% of educators have observed or heard of students engaging in online gambling or sports betting.
Educational Responses
Teachers are incorporating gambling lessons into personal finance classes. Wally Luckeydoo, a teacher in Tennessee, uses real-world examples to illustrate risks. Brian Suhovsky in New York employs tools like roulette wheels to demonstrate probability and the house edge.
- Lessons compare short-term betting outcomes to long-term investing.
- Student Jeanine Loko noted, "When it comes to stocks, you accumulate your money over the years. It's not as risky."
Industry and Legal Measures
The Sports Betting Alliance, representing operators like BetMGM and FanDuel, emphasizes zero tolerance for underage betting and uses age-verification technology. However, teachers report students using fake IDs or borrowing credentials to bypass restrictions.
- 39 states and D.C. have legalized sports betting since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
- Few states have academic standards addressing gambling risks in schools.
Student Perspectives
Ulysses Fitzgerald, a high school senior, shared his experience of losing money after initial bets influenced by social media. Students like Joseph Mayo recognize gambling as a potential habit-builder but caution against it as a primary income source.