I-Team finds increase in teen gambling across North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — More teens are gambling in North Carolina, raising concerns among health experts about the risk of addiction associated with the expansion of online sports betting.

A joint investigation by ABC11 and ABC News Investigations examined how increased access to legal gambling platforms is impacting the behavior of young people across the country and in North Carolina.

Experts say North Carolina’s trends mirror what’s happening across the country as gambling becomes more accessible. They warn that young people are encountering gambling opportunities at a developmental stage, putting them at increased risk of harm.

“In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the amount of online gambling by young people, especially boys, here in the United States,” said Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media.

North Carolina health officials say gambling is already prevalent among North Carolina youth.

Kelly Crosby 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.

“Nearly 28% of North Carolina youth say they have gambled, which is a huge number,” Crosby said.

Many studies have shown that gambling disorders often begin during adolescence. Experts say this makes early exposure to gambling of particular concern.

Dr. Nasir Naqvi, director of Columbia University’s Gambling Disorders Clinic, said, “As people reach adolescence, they pick up all kinds of habits that develop their personality in both positive and negative ways.”

According to data from the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, up to 7% of youth who gamble are diagnosed with a gambling disorder. Health officials say brain development during adolescence increases vulnerability to addiction.

“Their brains are perfect and malleable, so this is the perfect time to get excited about something,” Crosby says.

The study also examined the rapid growth of online sports betting nationwide. According to Legal Sports Report, online sportsbooks generated at least $3.7 billion in taxes for state and local governments in 2025 alone.

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

“When did it become fun to bet on the velocity of every pitch and shot of every basketball game, every tennis serve? It’s about delivering an addictive product,” Levant said.

Industry representatives say they recognize the risks associated with gambling. Sports Betting Alliance chairman Joe Maloney said operators were offering tools aimed at encouraging responsible play.

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“We’re giving our players every opportunity to put in place tools and resources to help them manage their play,” Maloney said.

North Carolina also offers support for gambling problems through telephone and online services. The state also offers educational programs to schools aimed at warning teens about the dangers of online gambling.

Crosby said as the industry grows, so must prevention efforts. He said the revenue generated by gambling companies should help fund prevention programs aimed at youth.

“Given the revenue these gambling companies generate, some of it should go back to the state of North Carolina for youth prevention,” Crosby said.

The issue has also received attention in Washington, where officials have called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the effects of youth gambling across the country. Proponents say these findings could shape future policy and prevention strategies.

If you need help with a gambling problem in North Carolina, click here. You can also get help by calling (877) 718-5543.