Teens, Gambling, and the Super Bowl

As excitement builds around the Super Bowl, new research highlights the growing prevalence of gambling among teens. According to Common Sense Media’s Betting on Boys report, more than one in three boys ages 11–17 have engaged in gambling or gambling-related activities in the past year, often through sports betting platforms and online exposure. 

To promote awareness and prevention ahead of the Super Bowl, the STAY Club, supported by Scarsdale Action for Youth Coalition hosted a student led event at Scarsdale High School that drew its largest turnout yet, with around 75 students stopping by and several new members signing up. The event was led by sophomore Jonathan Lin, who developed the idea and took the lead in engaging peers in conversations about sports betting and gambling culture.

Lin wanted the event to feel approachable and relevant to students. “It’s really common in everyday life now,” he said. “With things like ESPN sports betting, people don’t always think about the consequences.” Throughout the event, Lin spoke with students about how gambling is often normalized through sports media and why it’s important to think ahead, especially during major events like the Super Bowl. Underage gambling is strongly associated with substance use. Recent studies have shown that three out of four youth with gambling addictions also struggle with alcohol and other substances. With gambling increasing in popularity among youth, we can expect these numbers to rise. 

Students were engaged through open conversation, snacks, and giveaways, including “SAY” (Scarsdale Action for Youth) branded squishy footballs paired with rack cards and flyers highlighting healthy habits and resources. Laura Paternoster, Youth Coordinator for STAY Club, noted that student-led prevention events like this act as protective factors in the community by strengthening peer leadership, increasing awareness, and encouraging healthy decision-making during high-risk moments.

 Source: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/2026-betting-on-boys-report_final-for-web.pdf