New York psychologist warns of rising gambling addiction in children

Dr. Michael Adler, a clinical psychologist based in Rockland County, New York, is reporting a significant increase in gambling disorders among children and young adults. He notes that patients as young as eleven are presenting with addiction issues, extending into their teens and early twenties.

According to Dr. Adler, minors are bypassing age restrictions by using smartphones and tablets logged into their parents' credit cards or payment methods. He highlights that these cases are particularly difficult to treat due to the underdeveloped prefrontal cortex in young people, which leads to a lack of impulse control. Additionally, many young gamblers operate under the assumption that their parents will resolve any resulting financial debts.

Dr. Adler identified fantasy football leagues as a potential “gateway drug” for gambling disorders and noted that children are frequently exposed to gambling advertisements while watching sports on television.