Young people today encounter gambling-like experiences in more places than ever before. These experiences may not look like traditional gambling.

Prediction markets, video games, and collectible trends can introduce young people to features associated with gambling. These features can include spending money, uncertain outcomes, rare rewards, and repeated attempts.

As these trends continue to grow, awareness can help parents, caregivers, educators, and communities prevent underage gambling and related harms.

When Markets Start to Feel Like Betting

Prediction Markets are based on binary outcomes, or essentially a coinflip. Either something will happen, or it won’t. Therefore, by risking money on the chance of a desired outcome, prediction markets are a form of gambling.

Prediction markets often use financial language instead of gambling language, which can be confusing for individuals interested or currently participating in this gambling behavior. Users may “invest” or “trade” rather than place a bet. Markets can involve sports, politics, weather, entertainment, and other current events. However, predicting an uncertain outcome is gambling.

Financial language may also make these activities appear less risky. Young people may view prediction markets as investing rather than gambling. Therefore, adults should talk openly with young people about the differences between investing and betting. Understanding risk can help young people make informed decisions.

Parents and caregivers can also encourage critical thinking. Ask young people what they believe they are risking and why.

Gaming and Gambling-Like Experiences

Video games remain one of the most popular forms of entertainment for young people. However, many games now include features that encourage continued play and spending.

Free-to-play games often earn money through in-game purchases. Players may encounter battle passes, premium currencies, and paid gameplay boosts. Some games also include randomized reward systems. Gacha games, for example, allow players to spend money on randomized “pulls,” which is another form of gambling.

A player may receive a common item instead of a desired rare item. As a result, they may feel tempted to spend again. These experiences can introduce young people to unpredictable rewards. They can also reinforce the idea that the next attempt may produce a better result.

Fortunately, parents and caregivers can take preventive steps. Discuss in-game purchases before they happen. Set spending limits and review parental controls together.

Understanding Dark Patterns

Many apps and games use design features called dark patterns. These features encourage people to spend more time or money. For example:

• Limited-time offers can create urgency. 
• Daily rewards can encourage players to return repeatedly.
• Premium currencies can make real spending harder to recognize. 
• Social rewards may encourage young people to invite friends.
• These strategies can influence decision-making, especially when excitement or pressure increases.

Parents and caregivers can help by teaching young people to recognize these tactics. Taking a pause before spending can reduce impulsive decisions.

Collectibles and Random Rewards

Trading cards, blind boxes, and mystery bags have also become increasingly popular. Many young people watch influencers open these products online. The excitement often comes from uncertainty. A package may contain a common item or a rare item.

Limited releases and rare “pulls” can create fear of missing out. Consequently, some young people may repeatedly purchase items.

Adults can help keep collecting enjoyable by setting clear budgets. Conversations should also focus on collecting for enjoyment rather than financial profit.

Awareness Can Help Prevent Underage Gambling

Young people will continue to encounter new forms of entertainment and technology. Therefore, prevention requires awareness and ongoing conversations.

• Parents, caregivers, educators, and other trusted adults can make a difference. 
• Talk openly about risk, spending, and gambling-like experiences.
• Teach young people to recognize uncertainty, urgency, and pressure. 
• Encourage breaks and set clear boundaries around spending.
• Create an environment where young people can ask questions without judgment.

Early awareness can support healthy decision-making. By working together, families and communities can help prevent underage gambling and reduce gambling harms.

Support Services

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 about gambling harms. Visit the NYCPG Training Center to view upcoming trainings as well as a list of self-paced trainings available to all.