Many teenagers believe sports betting is a skill-based activity and that they can consistently outperform sportsbooks over time. A Siena College and St. Bonaventure study found that 82 per cent of young gamblers believed they would be profitable in the long run. After my presentation, only about 10 per cent of respondents believe they can beat the house.
GAMBLING & RISK TAKING: TEACHING TEENS THE MATHS OF GAMBLING
At the 19th International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking, Gambling Awareness Initiative founder Arty Smith argued that traditional awareness campaigns are failing to address the core misconception driving youth gambling: the belief that sports betting can be beaten through skill. His approach uses probability, simulations and cognitive-bias research to change how teenagers think about risk before harmful habits form.