When people talk about problem gambling, they often focus on the person placing the bets. But when youth or young adults struggle with gambling, the harm reaches far beyond the individual. Underage and young adult gambling can affect parents, siblings, friends, schools, and entire communities. These ripple effects can be long-lasting and emotionally painful for many people connected to the young person.
Effects on Family
Families are often the most impacted. Parents and caregivers may feel shocked, worried, or guilty when they discover a young person is gambling. They may struggle to understand how it started or blame themselves for not noticing sooner. Financial stress can also affect the whole household. A youth may use allowance money, savings, or even take money without permission. This can lead to arguments, loss of trust, and ongoing tension at home. Siblings may feel overlooked as parents focus on managing the crisis.
Emotional harm within families can be serious. Parents may feel constant stress or fear about their child’s future. They may worry about school performance, legal trouble, or addiction later in life. Family relationships can become strained when rules are tightened, or consequences are put in place. Over time, this stress can affect everyone’s mental health, not just the youth who is gambling.
Effects on their Community
Friends and peers are affected as well. Young people who gamble may borrow money from friends or pressure others to join in. When money is not paid back, friendships can quickly break down. Some friends may feel uncomfortable, confused, or worried but unsure how to help. Others may feel pulled into risky behavior themselves. Gambling can change group dynamics and create conflict where there once was trust and support.
Schools also feel the impact of youth gambling. A student dealing with gambling harm may lose focus, miss classes, or see grades drop. Teachers and school staff may notice changes in behavior, such as fatigue, anxiety, or withdrawal. Schools may need to involve counselors, administrators, or families to address the situation, which takes time and resources. When multiple students are affected, gambling harm can disrupt the learning environment for many.
Communities carry the broader effects of youth and young adult gambling. Families may seek counseling, financial assistance, or social services. Community organizations may need to expand prevention and education efforts. In some cases, gambling harm is connected to other risky behaviors, such as substance use or online exploitation, increasing the need for support systems. These challenges place added pressure on healthcare, education, and social service providers.
Taking Action
Youth and young adult gambling harm is not just about poor choices or losing money. It is about how one young person’s struggle can affect many others emotionally, financially, and socially. Recognizing these impacts helps communities respond with compassion rather than blame.
By supporting prevention, education, and early intervention, families and communities can reduce harm and strengthen connections. When young people receive help, and when their loved ones are supported too, healing becomes possible for everyone involved.
You’re Not Alone
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.Learn more ways you can prevent youth gambling. Visit the NYCPG Training Center to view upcoming trainings as well as a list of self-paced trainings available to all.