Same Playbook, New Platform: Gambling, Youth Marketing, Big Tobacco Parallels

July 24, 20262:00pm - 3:15pm
Same Playbook, New Platform: Gambling, Youth Marketing, Big Tobacco Parallels

As sports betting becomes embedded in social media environments, gambling companies employ marketing strategies that normalize early engagement among young audiences. This presentation supports education for young people and adults about risks associated with sports betting and gambling apps. Drawing on evidence from legalized sports betting expansion in the United States, the session examines youth exposure, marketing practices, and regulatory gaps influencing underage gambling risk. Particular attention is given to identity-based and gendered appeals targeting adolescent boys and young men. Grounded in prevention frameworks aligned with the National Council on Problem Gambling’s priorities, the presentation identifies education, policy, and strategies to reduce underage gambling harms.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify key regulatory gaps and marketing practices associated with increased youth exposure to sports betting and related risks.
  • Apply evidence-informed, non-stigmatizing communication strategies to educate youth and adults about gambling marketing risks while strengthening protective factors against problem gambling harms.

Session Track

  • Prevention

Speaker