NCPG Harris Poll Finds Only 51 Percent of Parents Have Discussed Gambling Risks with Children

Only slightly more than half of parents with children aged six to 17 have addressed the risks of gambling, according to a new survey commissioned by the National Council on Problem Gambling. The Harris Poll found that 51% have had the conversation. Of the remainder, 40% plan to do so while 9% have no plans.

Fathers registered higher levels of concern, with 75% expressing worry compared with 42% of mothers. Parents indicated particular interest in resources covering early signs of problem gambling, materials on youth betting risks, and guidance on how to start the discussion. The NCPG is developing practical tools and educational materials to meet that demand.

Derek Longmeier, board president of the NCPG, said parents are concerned about exposure as sports betting and prediction markets become more accessible. “Parents are concerned about their children’s exposure to gambling, which makes sense as sports betting and prediction markets become more accessible and visible,” Longmeier said. He added that the organization is hearing from parents who want resources: “We’re hearing from parents who want to better understand the risks and are asking for practical resources to help them have these conversations with their kids.”

Parental Conversations on Gambling Risks

The NCPG asserts that betting presents risks comparable to drugs, alcohol, and sex. The nonprofit, the only national organization dedicated to mitigating gambling-related harm through advocacy and awareness, is calling on parents and caregivers to include gambling in “the talk” with adolescents. This push arrives ahead of the group’s annual Gift Responsibly Campaign, which discourages adults from gifting lottery tickets and other gambling products to minors.

Regulatory Pushback and Limits on Unified Efforts

Last year more than 230 organizations supported the campaign, a 30% increase over the prior year. Yet controversy surrounding the NCPG could limit future participation. The organization continues to defend its acceptance of prediction markets under a new Financial Services & Trading membership category. State bodies including the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling have cut ties or rescinded memberships, citing unwillingness to align with what they view as unlicensed sports betting.

This split reveals a concrete limitation: regulatory withdrawal may weaken the reach of national prevention messaging precisely when youth exposure through digital platforms is expanding. Operators and regulators will need to weigh whether fragmented advocacy networks can still deliver consistent standards for youth protection.

Reporting: Casino.org News

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.