The I-Team found an increase in youth gambling in NC statewide

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — A growing number of young people in North Carolina are gambling, raising concerns among health experts about the dangers of addiction associated with the growth of online sports betting.

A joint investigation by ABC11 and the ABC News Investigative Unit examined how increased access to legal betting platforms is affecting youth behavior across the country and in North Carolina.

Experts say the trend in North Carolina mirrors what’s happening across the country as gambling becomes more accessible. They warn that young people are at a developmental stage exposed to gambling opportunities that increase the risk of harm.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge increase in the amount of online gambling by young people, especially young men, in the United States,” said Jim Steer, CEO of Common Sense Media.

NC health officials say gambling is already rampant among youth in North Carolina.

Kelly Crosby is the Assistant Director of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. He says survey data shows significant participation.

“About 28% of young people in North Carolina say they have gambled. That’s huge,” Crosby said.

A growing body of research shows that most gambling disorders begin during adolescence. Experts say that this is especially true for gambling.

“People pick up all kinds of habits and develop their personalities in good and bad ways as they go through adolescence,” said Dr. Nasir Naqvi, director of the Gambling Disorders Clinic at Columbia University.

Data from the Journal of Behavioral Addiction shows that up to 7% of youth who gamble develop a gambling disorder. Health officials say brain development during adolescence increases the risk of addiction.

“It’s a perfect time for them to become addicted to something because their brains are just complete and intact,” Crosby said.

The study also explored the rapid growth of online sports betting across the country. According to the Legal Sports Report, online sportsbooks alone will generate at least $3.7 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments by 2025.

Dr. Harry Levant, an attorney at the Public Health Advisory Institute, said betting platforms are engineered to encourage continued engagement. He questioned how “play-by-play” betting options became mainstream entertainment.

Levant said: “When did it become interesting to bet on the speed of every pitch or shot in every basketball game or every tennis game?

Industry representatives say they recognize the dangers associated with gambling. Joe Maloney, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, said operators are providing tools aimed at encouraging responsible gambling.

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“We surround players with every opportunity to choose tools and resources that can help them manage their game,” Maloney said. Maloney said.

North Carolina also offers help for gambling problems through telephone and online services. The state also provides schools with educational programs aimed at warning teenagers about the dangers of online gambling.

Crosby said prevention efforts must grow as the industry grows. She said revenue generated by gambling companies should help fund youth-focused prevention programs.

“With the amount of revenue these gambling companies are generating, some of it really needs to be put into North Carolina to deter youth,” Crosby said.

The issue has also drawn attention in Washington, where officials are calling on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the effects of youth gambling across the country. Advocates say the findings could shape future policy and prevention strategies.

Anyone in North Carolina who needs help with a gambling problem can click here. Assistance is also available by calling (877) 718-5543.