Prediction Markets Raise Concerns About Problem Gambling Among Youth

Experts warn that unregulated prediction markets are especially risky for young adults

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Experts are raising concerns about the rise of prediction markets, which allow people to bet on future events, and the potential for these unregulated platforms to fuel problem gambling among young adults. Stephanie Goodman of the Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center says they've seen an increase in gambling addiction cases, particularly among men aged 18-30, due to the accessibility and lack of protections on these prediction market platforms.

Why it matters

The growth of prediction markets, which operate with little to no regulation, poses a significant risk for vulnerable young adults who may be drawn to the excitement of betting on future events. This could exacerbate existing gambling addiction issues and create new problems, especially around major sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness.

The details

Prediction market platforms like Kalshi have seen a surge in popularity, growing from $27 million in trades in 2024 to $867 million last year. Goodman says these unregulated markets "market to 18 year olds" and lack the safeguards that regulated gambling operations like casinos have implemented. MGM Resorts' "GameSense" program is cited as an example of how regulated gambling providers are trying to be proactive in addressing problem gaming.

  • The Super Bowl and March Madness are already challenging times for those with gambling addictions.
  • Prediction markets have seen explosive growth, with Kalshi's trading volume increasing from $27 million in 2024 to $867 million in 2025.

The players

Stephanie Goodman

Executive director of the Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center.

Garrett Farnes

Executive director of responsible gaming at MGM Resorts.

Kalshi

A prediction market platform that has seen a surge in popularity, with trading volume increasing from $27 million in 2024 to $867 million in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“It's men 18 to 30 who are doing sports betting. And I say 18, because unfortunately, when we're talking about the prediction markets that are out there, where there's zero regulation, there is zero protections, those prediction markets are really a hazard for our youth. And so they market to 18 year olds, and so we're seeing a real increase in that area for our center.”

— Stephanie Goodman, Executive director of the Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center (news3lv.com)

“It's part of our guest experience. It's part of our company's culture, and it's here to help guests understand, really, what gambling is and what gambling isn't. We're not here waiting for problems to occur.”

— Garrett Farnes, Executive director of responsible gaming at MGM Resorts (news3lv.com)

What’s next

Experts and regulators are likely to continue monitoring the growth of prediction markets and their impact on problem gambling, especially among young adults. Calls for increased regulation and consumer protections in this industry may intensify.

The takeaway

The rise of unregulated prediction markets poses a significant risk for vulnerable young adults who may be drawn to the excitement of betting on future events. This could exacerbate existing gambling addiction issues and create new problems, highlighting the need for stronger consumer protections and responsible gambling initiatives in this rapidly evolving industry.