Two decades after the first casino opened in Pennsylvania — paving the way for many older residents to get hooked on slot machines — gambling interests have moved on to kids.
The explosion of online gambling, sports betting apps and prediction markets has tapped into younger and younger gamblers, especially young men and teenage boys.
A recent study found that more than a third of boys between the ages of 11 and 17 admitted to gambling in the past year. Kids as young as 11 have become addicted to online gambling apps and prediction markets, according to a report in The Inquirer.
The Philadelphia media market, which includes southeastern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey, ranks No. 1 for online gambling in the country. Internet gambling and sports wagering revenues alone topped $6 billion in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 2024, up from about $3.6 billion in 2021.
That’s hardly something to celebrate, since it just means residents have billions less to spend on basic necessities like food, rent and healthcare. It’s also billions less to spend on other entertainment like restaurants, movies and concerts.