Change the Game Ohio Warns of Youth Gambling Risks This Holiday Season

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Change the Game Ohio, a nonprofit organization, is urging parents and caregivers to be mindful of the gifts they give to children and teens this holiday season. The organization cites new national research that highlights the risks associated with youth gambling, with nearly 43% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 reported to have gambled in the past year. Among those who gambled, 10.8 percent were classified as being at high risk for problem gambling. A 2026 national survey from Rutgers University's Center for Gambling Studies found these figures, which surveyed more than 1,600 young Americans.

The study, which examined 21 forms of gambling including sports betting, esports betting, cryptocurrency trading, and prediction markets, highlights how today's children and teens may increasingly encounter gambling and gambling-like activities through digital platforms and video games.

To help parents and caregivers navigate this issue, Change the Game Ohio has shared the Youth Gambling Prevention Guide. The guide encourages adults to look for alternatives to items like lottery tickets and certain gaming gift cards, and suggests exploring creativity and time away from screens. Some recommended alternatives include board games and puzzles, experiences such as sporting events, movies, or museums, books, and educational activities.

For additional resources, including parent guides and discussion tools, families can visit pausebeforeyouplay.org/news-events/. The organization's aim is to provide families with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions about the gifts they give, thereby helping to prevent young people from developing harmful gambling habits.