A new study reveals that more than a third of teenage boys between the ages of 11 and 17 have admitted to gambling in the past year. Additionally, the study found that 60 percent of 11 to 17 year olds are seeing ads for gambling on YouTube and social media, information pushed to them in their fe eds. Though the legal gambling age in the U.S. is 18, teenagers have found ways to skirt the age requirement. NBC News Daily anchor Kate Snow got an exclusive look at the survey by Common Sense Media. “I think the results of this new research are absolutely astounding, and a wake-up call for every parent everywhere,” said Jim Steyer, founder of Common Sense Media. “The truth is, one out of three boys in this country are gambling online before they’re old enough to vote.” Clinical psychologist Michelle Chung, mom of a 12-year-old son, sees teens who gamble in her practice. She calls gambling “the next wave of the mental health crisis that will happen in teenage boys.” No longer is gambling confined to Las Vegas casinos. A 2018 landmark ruling by the Supreme Court allowed states to legalize sports betting, opening the doors to new types of online gambling and games of chance. “Young boys are largely being pulled into this universe online by algorithmically sent messages,” said Steyer of online games that include chances to open loot boxes and “win” a prize. “It seems so innocent, but in fact, it’s no different than going into a casino and putting down five or $20 on a hand of blackjack.” Celebrity News Jan 2 Drake accused of using an online gambling platform to inflate play counts of his music gambling Oct 23, 2025 Who has been busted for sports gambling? Here's a list of the major betting scandals MLB Dec 2, 2025 Guardians' Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz face May trial date in gambling case Even teens who aren’t gambling themselves have admitted to watching online gambling content by creators like Adin Ross and Drake. Steyer thinks there are several potential solutions to the issue. “There needs to be age verification on all the social media platforms,” he said. “Second, there have to be clear advertising restrictions.” Families trying to watch televised sporting events shouldn’t be bombarded with commercials for gambling apps. NBC News reached out to gambling platforms. DraftKings says they use “advanced technology” to “verify the age” of customers. The Sports Betting Alliance said they have a “zero-tolerance policy for underage gambling.”  Snow recommended talking to your kids about the potential consequences of gambling and paying attention to their friends’ actions as well. The study shows that 84% of boys whose friends gamble report gambling themselves.  Parents can also keep an eye on credit card purchases. If your son is spending money on gaming apps, you will see them on your credit card statement. “There are clear solutions here, but the industry has to take responsibility, and lawmakers around the country have to put simple laws in place that will punish companies that take advantage of these vulnerable boys,” Steyer said. This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: What Happens When Your Kids Become Teenagers? Adam Scott Tells Adam Brody His 1 Takeaway The 1 Lesson Kathie Lee Gifford Taught Her Kids — That They’re Now Teaching Their Own Children Elon Musk’s 14 kids: What to know about his children and their mothers ...read more read less