Warning to families in the US: Gambling should be discussed with children too

The US-based National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) called on parents to talk with their children about gambling, alongside topics such as sex and safety. According to the council, the spread of digital betting on smartphone screens and in sports broadcasts makes this conversation necessary.

According to a survey the council commissioned from Harris Poll, 51 percent of parents with children aged six to 17 have talked with their child about gambling. Forty percent of parents plan to have the conversation, while 9 percent do not intend to bring up the subject.

Fathers stand out in terms of concern. Seventy-five percent of fathers are worried about teens encountering gambling, while among mothers the figure stayed at 42 percent. Parents most want to learn about the early signs of problem gambling, educational materials explaining the risks of betting for teens, and a step-by-step guide showing when and how to start the conversation. NCPG President Derek Longmeier said the organization has developed practical tools to meet this need.

NCPG is also preparing for its annual Gift Responsibly campaign. The campaign recommends not giving lottery tickets and similar products as gifts to people under the legal age. More than 230 organizations took part last year, and participation rose 30 percent compared with the previous year. However, the council's acceptance of prediction markets under a new membership subcategory called Financial Services & Trading is causing controversy and could strain support in 2026.