NCPG poll finds half of US parents discussed gambling risks with children

Half of US parents with children aged 6 to 17 have spoken to them about the risks of gambling, according to a poll by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). A further 40% have not yet held the conversation but plan to, while 9% said they do not intend to raise the subject with their children, the NCPG said.

The figures come from an online survey by The Harris Poll, carried out for the NCPG between 6 and 8 October 2026, in which 2,020 US adults were questioned. The question on conversations about gambling was answered by 466 parents with children aged 6 to 17.

The NCPG also reported that 64% of parents with minor children are concerned that their children will gamble before reaching the legal age. That result relates to a broader group of parents than the question on holding a conversation. According to the US organisation, parents need support to make gambling a subject they can discuss at home.

Among parents with children under 18, 90% said certain tools would make it easier to talk to their children about gambling. The most frequently cited need was information on signs of problematic gambling behaviour, such as hiding gambling activity and trying to win back lost money. Information on the risks of gambling by young people and advice on when parents should best start the conversation were also mentioned.

The US poll follows a recent publication by the Trimbos Institute on the influence of the living environment on gambling behaviour among minors. That study found that group pressure, the example set by parents and involvement in school are among the factors associated with young people's gambling behaviour. Young people whose parents usually know where they are report online gambling behaviour less often than young people for whom that is less often the case. Positive interaction between pupils and teachers is also associated with less gambling behaviour.

The Trimbos study consisted of a literature review and analyses of data from two GGD regions. Trimbos carried it out for the Kansspelautoriteit, as part of an exploration of ways to prevent gambling behaviour among minors. The researchers named strengthening parenting skills and prevention at school as possible starting points, among others. The visibility of gambling in young people's surroundings also received attention.