Published on: May 22, 2026, 04:12h.
Updated on: May 22, 2026, 04:13h.
- Teen gambling issues are on the rise, as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- The ongoing discussion regarding whether sports prediction markets qualify as gambling persists.
On Thursday, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) unveiled concerning findings in front of a House Appropriations subcommittee on Capitol Hill.
NIDA’s Director, Dr. Nora Volkow, addressed the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, discussing the rising concerns of addiction in the U.S. When questioned about gambling disorders, Volkow stated that these issues are escalating across various demographics, particularly among younger individuals.
“The group at greatest risk is teenagers, especially during their transition to young adulthood. We are observing a notable increase in gambling, whether through sports or other avenues,” Volkow stated.
“Our understanding of biological mechanisms shows that the brain circuits associated with addiction to drugs overlap with those involved in gambling, leading to compulsive gambling behaviors,” Volkow clarified.
Currently, Volkow reported that NIDA is researching whether certain medications aimed at treating opioid and other substance abuses could help curb gambling cravings.
NIDA operates under the National Institutes of Health and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission focuses on advancing scientific understanding of drug use and addiction to enhance public and individual health.
Teen Trading in Prediction Markets
The rise of prediction markets, which allow trading on sports outcomes, has raised concerns among experts regarding problem gambling.
The ongoing dispute about whether trading shares in sports outcomes represents gambling or a legitimate financial activity is unlikely to be settled soon. Meanwhile, advocates for responsible gaming assert that these prediction markets exploit teenagers, exposing them to the potential risks associated with gambling and introducing highly addictive products into their lives.
“There is clear evidence that we are witnessing the initial phases of a mental health and gambling addiction crisis, with young men being the most affected demographic. This highlights the concerning practices in prediction markets, which aim to provide continuous gambling opportunities to individuals as young as eighteen,” stated Dr. Harry Levant, the Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute, during his testimony before a Senate Commerce subcommittee this week.
Proponents of prediction markets maintain that they do not provide gambling products but rather financial instruments that allow traders to capitalize on their foresight, similar to stock market trading.
Additionally, prediction market companies assert their commitment to responsible gaming, with Kalshi recently joining the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Will Trump Be Influenced?
President Donald Trump has largely supported the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s approval of prediction markets for new events, including sports. His son, Donald Trump Jr., serves as a paid advisor to both Kalshi and Polymarket, and Trump Media has hinted at launching its own prediction market, Truth Predict.
As the debate continues over sports prediction markets, several influential Republicans are aligning with the regulated gaming sector, which contends these activities should be classified as gambling.
“Essentially, prediction markets that offer contracts on sporting events are equivalent to sports betting,” remarked Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) this week.