Risks and Statistics

Young Adults are at greater Risk for developing a gambling problem.

The Center is receiving more calls and texts to the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline from young adults ages 18-24 and 25-34. Over the years, problem gamblers tend to be males and/or from minority populations.

67% of students living on campus are bettors and tend to bet at a higher frequency
In Maryland, 20% of those who bet on mobile sports apps have a gambling disorder versus 11% of those who bet on sports at in-person locations
Those who gamble at a young age are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors such as alcohol and/or drug use

College/Sports Betting:

1 IN 10 COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVE A GAMBLING ADDICTION.

Approximately 75 percent of college students gambled during the past year (whether legally or illegally) with about 18 percent gambling weekly or more frequently.****

Lotteries, card games, pools (including raffles, charitable small stakes gambling), sports betting and games of skill (e.g., bowling, basketball, pool, golf, backgammon, darts) are the most frequently chosen gambling activities by college students.
Both student athletes and students who are sports fans gamble more than other students.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has identified gambling by athletes as a major threat to the integrity of intercollegiate athletics and responded with the development of a comprehensive education program for student athletes at NCAA member schools.
Casino nights, poker tournaments and other gambling activities are popular at special events sponsored by campus organizations and fraternities and sororities.

Risks for those under 21

Those who gamble under 21 are four times more likely to become problem gamblers later in life (Felsher, et al., 2010).

• Those who gambling at a young age are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors (Emond, 2022).

• The brain is developing until age 25. Functions related to impulse control, emotional control, and decision making are not fully developed (Emond, 2022).

• Young adults that gamble are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, poor academic/job performance, and/or poor per and family relationships (Emond, 2022).

Those Who Gamble Under 21 Could Face Legal Charges

For mobile betting, those caught underage, the account will be closed and winnings confiscated.

• Possible charges could include:

- Identity theft
- Tax evasion
- Illegal gambling operations

• Underage gambler may face fines, community service, and other negative consequences due to gambling.

What types of gambling are popular among young adults?

LOTTERY

Lottery

Scratch tickets, Mega Millions, Pick 5, lottery is the most common form of gambling in Maryland. According to the 2022 Statewide Gambling Prevalence in Maryland, 70% of Maryland residents have played the lottery in the last year.

FANTASY SPORTS

Fantasy Sports

Legalized in Maryland in 2012, Marylanders ages 18 and over may place bets through fantasy sports operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel on traditional fantasy sports (season long) or daily fantasy sports. Players select a virtual team from across a sports league, generally baseball or football, and based on the real statistics of the players selected, the team will win or lose (Britannica, 2024).

ONLINE GAMBLING

Online Gambling

Often called iGaming, on-line gambling is currently illegal in Maryland. iGaming is the betting of casino style games such as slot machines, card games, and dice games, on-line.

SPORTS BETTING

Sports Betting

In 2021, sports betting became legal in Maryland for those 21 and over. In November 2022, mobile betting launched in Maryland. 50% of Maryland adults reported sports betting in the last year. Popular sports to bet on include basketball, football, and baseball. Bets can be placed on the final score or on a single occurrence within a game called a proposition bet.

CRYPTOCURRENCY

Cryptocurrency

Marylanders can obtain cryptocurrency legally through a licensed financial institution. Cryptocurrency is virtual money with no central authority. (Investopedia, 2024) It meets the definition of gambling because the value of cryptocurrency fluctuates

PRIVATE GAMES

Private Games

Many young adults bet money on small transactions like, “I bet you to eat that hot pepper” or, “I can run faster than you up the block.”

CASINO

Casinos

There are six casinos in Maryland for those over age 21. Casinos provide a variety of games for gambling for fun and entertainment including slot machines, card games, dice games, and spinning wheel games. Currently, to legally bet on casino games, people must physically go to a casino or to other locations in Maryland that have a license to operate gambling games .

LOOT BOXES

Loot Boxes

Loot boxes are mystery or surprise boxes within video games sometimes called crates or packs. Generally, loot boxes are purchased with real money or virtual money within a video game. There could be something of value in the box such as a sought after avatar (character), weapon, or attire within the video game or it could contain nothing of value. Even though virtual, loot boxes meet the definition of gambling. Gambling through video games includes purchasing loot boxes, betting on E-sports, or betting on video gaming items on third party websites.

CARDS

Cards

Popular among young adults in Maryland, (Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling focus groups, 2022) some examples of card games that are popular among young adults are poker and blackjack. Card games can be played for money on weekends or among groups that meet regularly and are not illegal unless someone is trying to make a profit by creating a business (US Legal Poker Sites, 2024).

DICE

Dice

Popular with youth and young adults in Baltimore City and other Maryland counties, dice games can be seen being played on street corners. This form of gambling is risky due to associations with violence, alcohol, and drug use.

What can you do?

Educate Yourself on the Risks of Gambling, Safe Gambling Tips, and Resources for Help

We're Here to Help.

Call, text, or chat with us if you or someone you know is at risk. We're available 24/7 and our trained counselors can provide you with the right support for your individual needs.

No cost help is available for Maryland residents seeking help regardless of insurance coverage, financial status, or ability to pay.