The Online gambling among teenagers They ceased to be an isolated behavior and became a massive phenomenon spanning areas, age groups and educational contexts. The report from Argentine Red Cross Humanitarian Observatorywhich surveyed 11,421 surveys in 231 secondary schools in 16 provinces, shows that 6 out of 10 young people have direct or indirect contact with digital games.
The practice, which has increased in recent years along with technological expansion and the lack of effective controls, has become a complex societal problem. “The data provided by the investigation Make it clear what risk boys and girls ages 13 to 18 face. The use of digital wallets and constant advertising are the main entry points for online betting, without distinguishing between legal and illegal platforms,” he noted. José Scioli, Director of the Humanitarian Observatory of the Argentine Red Cross.
One of the strongest findings is early and sustainable entry into the platforms: Bonding begins between the ages of 13 and 14and escalates toward late adolescence. The gender gap is widening: men bet almost three times more than women (24% vs. 8%) and are also more likely to gamble regularly. Even in the indirect exposure groups – youth who do not gamble but live with peers who do – penetration is high: 45% know someone around them who is taking part.
The social normalization This is one of the critical axes revealed by the survey. 57% of those who bet said they took part on the recommendation of friends or colleagues, while 39% said they did so because many people close to them were gambling and “they didn’t want to be left out”. The adult environment also plays an important role: 4 out of 10 young people said they have close adults who play, something that extends the acceptance of the behavior beyond the peer group.
Own cell phone, the gateway
At the technological level, the most intimate and personal device is the dominant device: 83% bet via their own mobile phonefollowed by small percentages of other people’s computers or phones. This data is closely related to another, equally important: The virtual wallet is the most important means of payment and is mentioned in 83% of caseswhich reduces parental control and allows unsupervised movement of funds.
Added to this is the figure of the mediator: 43% received help from someone when entering platformsparticularly in the Center, Cuyo and NEA provinces.
The digital ecosystem that surrounds young people is central to the spread of the game. Between 71% and 79% were exposed to advertising, influencers, sports broadcasts or content on networkseven without participation. Advertising acts as a permanent incentive, especially on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and sports broadcasts, where betting shops are regular sponsors.
The report highlights that even those who do not participate or know someone who gambles are at high risk, showing how difficult it is to avoid exposure to these messages.
The motivations reveal a phenomenon that connects Curiosity, entertainment and economic expectations. Of the players, 89% said they did it to “try their luck,” 84% because “it was fun,” and more than half because they thought “they would make money quickly and easily.” The influence of promotions also appears to be strong: 50% saw advertising from influencers recommending platforms and 44% received bonuses or credits to start playing.
The effects are already visible
79% acknowledge that gambling can create addiction69% reported experiencing anxiety or discomfort, and almost half reported changes in sleep habits and impaired academic performance. An alarming fact is added: 12% had debts from gambling. The emotional impact is felt more strongly in women and young people over the age of 16, where risk perception increases.
Regulation doesn’t seem to be a solid barrier either. Although the majority agree that there is a legal minimum age for betting, 32% to 39% believe there is no restriction. And when presented with legal and illegal websites with simulated domains, between 51% and 66% could not distinguish between them. Perception of ease of access is almost universal: between 81% and 93% say it is easy or very easy to bet, depending on the level of exposure.
The survey also recognizes a high demand for preventive measures. 75% call for tighter control of platforms, networks, influencers and payment methods, while 4 in 10 call for workshops and awareness campaigns in schools. The most frequently requested topics: knowing the risks, understanding how recruiting algorithms work, and knowing where to ask for help.
For the Humanitarian Observatory, the phenomenon not only reflects a problem of unrestricted access to digital platforms, but also the persistence of socioemotional inequalitiesinadequate containment environments and a gaming market seeking to attract ever younger audiences.