A friendly bet on a video game or a small wager on a favorite sports team may seem harmless, but gambling at a young age can lead to other risky behaviors and problem gambling later in life. Unregulated online gaming apps and websites have made it even easier for young people to access gambling opportunities.

In Connecticut, whether you are betting online or in person, you must be at least 18 years old to:

• buy a lottery ticket
• play Keno or high-stakes bingo
• participate in off-track betting or fantasy sports that have an entry fee

You must be at least 21 years old to:

• participate in all forms of sports betting
• play any casino games

It is also illegal for adults to create online gambling accounts or place bets for minors. Parents, siblings, friends, and partners can face legal consequences for helping anyone underage to gamble.

A 2025 Connecticut School Health Survey found that more than 1 in 4 high school students reported placing a bet or wager in the past year. Children who begin gambling before age 12 are four times more likely to experience gambling problems later in life.

Teens who gamble are more likely to:

• commit crimes
• struggle academically (lower grades, truancy, behavioral issues)
• experience conflict with family and friends
• suffer from depression
• have suicidal thoughts or attempts
• develop other addictions, including alcohol and drug use

How to Protect Your Child from Underage Gambling

Underage gambling is a growing concern, but parents and caregivers can take steps to reduce risks.

Start the conversation
Talk with your child about gambling and its consequences. Explain that most gamblers lose money over time. Remind them it is illegal to participate in gambling until you are of legal age, and that most online platforms are unregulated and unsafe.

Model healthy behavior
Children often imitate adults. Never create accounts or place bets for anyone under 21. Consider not taking part in gaming activities around people who are underage. If you do choose to participate in gaming activities, talk to your kids about how you practice responsible gaming by setting time and money limits, and stick to it.

Set clear boundaries
Explain your expectations around online activity, money use, and participation in games of chance.

Monitor online activity
Check phones and devices for gambling apps or websites. Use parental controls to limit access and consider setting screen time limits to reduce opportunities for gambling online.

Unregulated Platforms

Parents should also be aware that most gaming websites, apps, and prediction markets are unregulated and illegal in our state. In Connecticut, the only companies licensed to offer iCasino games are DraftKings and FanDuel. Sports wagering is limited to DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics. Only the Connecticut Lottery may offer lottery and iLottery games, and only Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos may offer physical casino games.

Getting Help

If you’re worried that your child or someone you care about may be struggling with gambling addiction, help is available 24/7. Call the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling toll free at 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org to connect with a gambling treatment program in Connecticut. For additional information, visit the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services’ Problem Gambling Services webpage at ct.gov/dmhas/pgs.

This article was written by Diana Shaw, MPH, director of outreach and education for the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. To learn more about how the Department of Consumer Protection can help, visit www.ct.gov/dcp.