A growing number of teenagers in North Carolina are gambling, raising concerns among health experts about addiction risks tied to the expansion of online sports betting.
A joint investigation by ABC11 and the ABC News Investigative Unit examined how increased access to legal betting platforms is influencing youth behavior nationwide and in North Carolina.
Experts say the trend in North Carolina mirrors what is happening nationwide as gambling becomes more accessible. They warn that adolescents are encountering gambling opportunities at a developmental stage that increases the risk of harm.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a big uptick in the amount of online gambling by young people, particularly young boys here in the United States,” said Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media.
NC health officials say gambling is already widespread among young people in North Carolina.
Kelly Crosbie is the assistant secretary for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use services at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. She says survey data shows significant participation.
“Almost 28% of young people in North Carolina say they’ve gambled. That’s huge,” Crosbie said.
A growing body of research shows that many gambling disorders begin during adolescence. Experts say this makes early exposure to gambling particularly concerning.
“People pick up all sorts of habits and develop their personalities in good ways and bad ways as they are going through adolescence,” said Dr. Nasir Naqvi, director of Columbia University’s Gambling Disorders Clinic.
Data from the Journal of Behavioral Addictions show that up to 7% of young people who gamble are diagnosed with a gambling disorder. Health officials say brain development during adolescence increases vulnerability to addiction.
“This is a perfect time for them to become addicted to something because their brains are just perfect and malleable,” Crosbie said.
The investigation also examined the rapid growth of online sports betting nationwide. Online sportsbooks generated at least $3.7 billion in taxes for state and local governments in 2025 alone, according to the Legal Sports Report.
Dr. Harry Levant, an advocate with the Public Health Advisory Institute, said betting platforms are engineered to encourage constant engagement. He questioned how “play-by-play” betting options became mainstream entertainment.
“When did betting on the speed of every pitch or the shot in every basketball game or every tennis serve become entertaining? It’s about delivery of an addictive product,” Levant said.
Industry representatives say they recognize the risks associated with gambling. Joe Maloney, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, said operators provide tools aimed at encouraging responsible play.
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“We surround players with every opportunity to adopt tools and resources that can help govern their play,” Maloney said.
North Carolina also offers help for gambling problems through phone and online services. The state also provides educational programs to schools aimed at warning teens about the dangers of online gambling.
Crosbie said prevention efforts should increase alongside industry growth. She said revenue generated by gambling companies should help fund youth-focused prevention programs.
“With the amount of revenue being generated for these gambling companies, some of it really should be put back into North Carolina to (the) prevention in young people,” Crosbie 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 nationwide. Advocates say those findings could shape future policy and prevention strategies.
Anyone in North Carolina who needs help with a gambling problem can click here. Help is also available by calling (877) 718-5543.
