Gambling doesn’t always
look like you’d expect.
Knowing what to look for can protect your future — and your friends’ futures too.
A lot of gambling doesn’t only take place in the ways we may be used to anymore. In addition to things like casinos, lottery tickets, and in-person sports betting, it increasingly shows up as loot boxes, fantasy leagues, betting apps, side-hustle videos, and “easy money” conversations that feel normal and even harmless.
Most Young People Don’t Think They Have a Problem.
But many do notice when something feels off in themselves, or in someone they care about.
That’s where checking in matters.
I’m under 18
Want to learn more about how gambling shows up in games and online?
In games and online spaces, gambling can look like:
- Loot boxes, packs, or crates
- In-game currency bought with real money
- Random rewards based on chance
- “Almost wins” designed to keep you playing
If you’re paying for an unknown outcome, that’s gambling — even if it’s inside a game.
I’m 18–24
Once it’s legal, the pressure ramps up fast.
Sports betting, fantasy leagues, crypto, and side-hustle content often frame risk as skill — and losses as something you can fix if you just try harder.
Here’s what often gets missed:
- Your brain is still developing into your mid-20s
- Impulse control and risk assessment are still strengthening
- Early habits can shape long-term outcomes
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make your own choices.
It means having clear, honest information that gives you the control.
It’s Worth Checking In If You’ve Noticed Phases Like…
- Betting, odds, or “easy money” coming up more often
- Games feeling stressful instead of fun
- Spending money to keep up or keep playing
- Big highs after wins — heavy lows after losses
- Being secretive or distracted around money
We Have Resources for You
We’ve created practical tools for the people who show up for youth every day:
- Parent & Caregiver Guides – conversation starters that include how to talk and build trust with youth
- Coach & Educator Resources – early awareness, performance-protective framing
- Counselor & Practitioner Tools – evidence-based guidance
Why This Matters Right Now
Exposure to gambling-like experiences has long been a part of growing up. What’s changed in recent years is what it looks like, where you’ll find it, and how often it shows up.
Today, gambling-like experiences are built into games, sports culture, and online platforms designed to move fast, reward risk, and keep youth engaged. Often, no one calls it gambling at all.
Knowing how to spot gambling elements in various environments makes you informed.
And being informed helps you make healthy choices while you’re gaming, enjoying sports, and learning about money that will impact you today and in your future.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) is Washington state’s leading nonprofit resource for gambling prevention, education, and support.
For more than 30 years, we’ve partnered with communities, schools, tribes, and youth-serving organizations to:
- Increase awareness without stigma
- Provide evidence-based education and training
- Support healthy decision-making across all ages
- Operate Washington’s confidential problem gambling Helpline 1-800-547-6133
We’re here to help you notice earlier and choose what’s right for you.
Additional Resources
FOR YOUTH
A fun and engaging program designed to help youth learn about the risks of gambling.
Support for youth mental health and substance use, with tools to help you or a friend navigate challenges safely.
For Our Lives (Digital Health Project)
Learn from Native storytellers how to protect yourself and others.
A global support community for people looking to reduce or take a break from gaming.
Mental health resources, videos, and coaching focused on gaming, motivation, and real-life challenges.
Resources to understand how gaming and technology affect the brain and behavior.
A community for people trying to cut back or stop gaming.
A leading treatment program specializing in digital overuse, providing expert, research-informed care and education to help individuals build healthier relationships with technology.
FOR ADULTS
Research-based insights on how digital media impacts youth mental health and development.
Best for: Educators / counselors / parents
Guidance for families on healthy screen use and how to reduce harmful digital habits.
Research and tools focused on building healthier relationships with technology and social media.
Resources to understand how gaming and technology affect the brain and behavior.
Reddit: Problem Gambling Community
A peer-led space where people share experiences and support around gambling challenges.
A leading treatment program specializing in digital overuse, providing expert, research-informed care and education to help individuals build healthier relationships with technology.
Developed in partnership with
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling
and Washington State Health Care Authority State Problem Gambling Program
