Emerging adults are most at risk from the rapid expansion of gambling, particularly sports wagering. This study examined gambling among two epidemiological samples of 18-to-27-year-olds before (N=678) and after (N=591) sport wagering legalization. Among other findings, rates of gambling online more than tripled, from about 8% in 2016 to nearly 30% in 2021. There were also increases in drug use (+22%), binge eating (+20%), excessive shopping (+18%), and excessive video gaming (+21%). In 2021, about 39% of emerging adults endorsed PG symptoms, 18% at high risk. Predictors of at-risk gambling and suggestions for prevention/intervention will be discussed.
