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How sports betting lures teenagers into risky arenas

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Evva Starr has heard thousands of pitches from student journalists over the years as the faculty adviser to Common Sense, Thomas S. Wootton High School’s newspaper. 

“I get excited whenever there’s something new,” Starr, the Rockville school’s English department resource teacher, says with a laugh. She remembers how her ears perked up last school year when Nathan Zweig, a junior in her newspaper class, proposed an article about Fliff, an app that bills itself as a free play-for-fun sportsbook. Underage use of sports betting apps in the halls of local high schools is widespread, students and school faculty say. Recent legalization, word-of-mouth, promotions on social media, and ease of access have contributed.

“That was the first time I’d ever heard of Fliff. I thought, ‘Cool. Great. Something different,’ ” recalls Starr, 52, of Potomac. “Then Nathan explained Fliff to me. Now that I understand it, I think it’s terrible.” 

Fliff is one of many sports betting apps and is considered among the most popular for underage betting. This app uses virtual currency and follows a sweepstakes model, which means no purchase is needed to play. That distinction separates Fliff from more traditional online gambling sites. Signing up is easy on the colorful, flashy app. Tiny print says players must be 18, but no age verification is required. In other states, the minimum age may be older. Players can quickly earn badges and loyalty rewards, and climb leaderboards betting on an array of daily sporting events across the country and around the globe from college football to professional tennis, English Premier League soccer, NBA games and mixed martial arts.

Unlike underage drinking or substance misuse, online gambling can be almost invisible without the telltale red flags, such as garbage cans filled with beer bottles and hard seltzer cans or the acrid smell of marijuana.  

“Fliff is all around me. Every day, kids at lunch are on their phones, talking about what bets are going to hit,” says Zweig, 17, of Potomac. “I have friends who don’t follow sports, but they still bet. They say it’s not real gambling, but eventually some kids will go to apps like BetMGM or DraftKings. It’s hooking people.”  

Some Wootton students, however, including senior Justin Heller, 17, of Rockville, disagree.

“Well, people see it different ways. I think it’s helpful because it shows you in the end that everyone ends up losing money. It gives you free money to learn with, play with,” Heller says. “It’s taught me something definitely—to be smart with my own money and not bet it away.” 

Starr green-lighted Zweig’s pitch, and soon after he published an opinion column highlighting the many risks and few rewards of underage sports betting.

In 2022, about one in seven Montgomery County high school students had gambled on something in the previous 12 months, according to the Maryland Department of Health’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted every other year. The actual numbers may be higher now, based on comments from more than 25 students, educators and parents interviewed by Bethesda Magazine. 

“Most parents have no idea how widespread it is,” says Joe Cassidy, head baseball coach at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda since 2003. “Parents think their kids are just sports crazy or athletes or psyched about a game. But are they really excited about the Braves playing the Pirates when they can’t name a single player on either team?” 

Gambling is prohibited in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). It is banned at school-sponsored events and on school property. MCPS did not respond to multiple requests for comments for this story. 

“There don’t seem to be any real protections to prevent children from using the platform. Self-reporting age is a nonfactor,” says Starr, an MCPS teacher for 25 years. “My perspective is this could be onboarding them to a lifetime of addictive behaviors, not just gambling.” 

In simple terms, according to the National Institutes of Health, addiction sets in when a substance, such as alcohol, “ … hijack[s] the pleasure/reward circuits in your brain and hook[s] you into wanting more and more.”  

As with substance-use disorders, people with gambling disorder may also exhibit withdrawal, depression and anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic reports that “gambling at a young age is … a risk factor for developing gambling disorder” later in life. 

“There is a lot of crossover with video games. The easy access and fast pace keep triggering the brain. Kids don’t think about video games and loot boxes as gambling, but they are by definition,” says Heather Eshleman, prevention manager at The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling within the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. “I’ve seen a definite increase in the number of high schools reaching out to us since sports betting was legalized.”  

Boys are far more likely than girls to engage in sports betting, says Stanley Tamale, a licensed professional counselor who practices in Montgomery County. Many of Tamale’s clients are young adult males between the ages of 19 and 24 who started gambling when they were in high school.

“Online sports betting is like a fishing rod. People have figured out the psychology of how to reach teens. Teens, especially boys, are risk-takers. They seek peer approval and acceptance,” says Tamale, 46. “But their brains are not fully developed until they are 25. The 16-, 17-, 18-year-old brain is so vulnerable.”

Tamale and other counselors encourage their clients to resist peer pressure and to be savvy consumers, skeptical of any free stuff, such as virtual currencies. “I tell my clients to think of those pop-ups as scam calls. Don’t be duped. You’re smarter than that. Don’t fall for the advertising. If it’s too good to be true, then it is.”

However, a confluence of factors—including illegal offshore betting sites, payment apps and slick mobile betting platforms—make that a lot easier said than done for adolescents eager to get some fast cash.   

“Social media is a big factor in it: who will win, by how many points, how many total bases? Every day, TikTok videos promote the best parlays,” Zweig says. “If you get lucky and combine a bunch of games, then you can win. I have a friend who bet a dollar and picked seven games for a parlay [on Fliff]. He won 130 bucks.”  

A parlay links together bets on a sequence of athletic events across teams and athletes, potentially earning a much larger payout than an individual wager. Picture this: the Ravens win, then the Commanders win by a touchdown and, finally, Nikola Jokić scores 25 points for a Nuggets victory. 

Some students believe apps such as Fliff could offer valuable lessons to teenagers who gamble.

“I think for some people it’s teaching kids to gamble. Like any other video game, you can spend a lot of time on it. It depends on the person for sure,” says Vikram Mishra, 17, of Rockville, who’s also a senior at Wootton. “It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you have to make sure you have control over yourself when you’re using it.” 

Coach Cassidy, 54, of Clarksburg, chats regularly with his players about the downfalls of gambling.   

“I tell my players their system won’t work. I say they may give you a free dollar, but it’s Monopoly money. They’ve got your real money. Now, with AI and all these algorithms, they run millions of simulations. The odds against you are even higher,” he says with a sigh. “ ‘Guys,’ I tell them, ‘It’s stacked against you. You’re going to lose.’ ” 

Sports betting exploded after the U.S. Supreme Courtallowed states to legalize it in 2018. Last year, according to the American Gaming Association, sports gambling raked in $13.71 billion in revenue, an increase of more than 25% over 2023. It marked the fourth consecutive year of eye-popping growth. The association estimates $3 billion was wagered on March Madness games alone.   

Maryland legalized sports betting in 2021. Players must be 21, have a Social Security number, and be physically present in the state when betting online. The apps track the user’s location in real time.

In D.C., players only need to be 18 to bet on Daily Fantasy Sports sites such as PrizePicks and Underdog. These sites allow individuals to use real money to place bets on specific athletes, not teams, and how they will perform in a game. These platforms offer set payouts and promotions in dollars. Given the lower age requirement, they are especially popular with young men in high school. But unlike Fliff, these sites deal in dollars, not virtual currencies. 

“It’s an unfair playing field, especially for boys,” says state Sen. Bryan Simonaire (R-Dist. 31) of Anne Arundel County. “Most people can gamble responsibly, but you might be part of the small percentage who get addicted. We just don’t know who they are. I want to target them and help them.”  

For Simonaire, it’s personal. His father, he says, became addicted to gambling after casinos were built near his house in Arizona. He lost $1 million, says Simonaire. “The casino was 10 minutes away. He got into the habit of going. It became an addiction as opposed to entertainment,” he says. “Now we have internet gambling with instantaneous access and nonstop advertising. The ads draw kids into it.”   

 In 2020, Simonaire introduced a bill related to schools teaching about the risks of gambling, but it stalled during the pandemic. Earlier this year, Simonaire worked with a coalition of individuals and organizations, including The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, to introduce a bill in the Maryland General Assembly to revise the state’s Youth Suicide Prevention School Program and make students aware of the link between gambling and suicide. It passed unanimously.

Simonaire says it’s up to local school districts to determine how to implement the bill. He hopes students will see gambling included in the list of risk factors, along with substances such as alcohol, opioids and marijuana, by the spring. “We have a responsibility to fund education, and we’re doing it a lot through gambling,” he says. “We also have a responsibility to help students not get addicted to gambling.” 

Fifteen percent of the state’s gambling revenue goes toward the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which promises to increase the education budget by $3.8 billion annually for 10 years, starting in 2021. Between July 2024 and January 2025, nearly $59 million from sports betting was directed to public education. 

“I am not an alarmist,” says Steve Goodman, 50, a professor in Georgetown University’s Sports Industry Management graduate program and a sports industry veteran. “For parents, I think the first step is to be aware it’s out there. Then, understand the potential mental health piece and the money piece. Are kids betting money they don’t have?”

Goodman, who lives in Bethesda and has two sons who graduated from Whitman, adds, “Sports betting is so fast and so easily done. It’s easy to hide. Even if parents do check phones, kids can bury their apps.”

The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling highlights two main characteristics of problem gambling. The first is the inability to control the amount of time or money spent on betting. The second is the resulting negative consequences, including emotional, financial, personal and legal problems.  

“To parents, I would say, ‘Keep an eye on your teens.’ There is often a difference between someone spending more time on their phone versus hiding their phone,” Tamale says. “People hide their behavior when they have a problem. It will be the same with teens and gambling. They will hide it, and parents might not find out until a young man is in trouble financially.” 

Talking is often a first step toward treating potential gambling problems.  

“Teenagers are good at hiding stuff, but they’re also good at telling you stuff, if you pay attention,” Cassidy says. “Online betting is the same as a drug. It’s the rush of winning, chasing the loss, chasing the high. I equate this to smoking in the ’60s. They sort of knew it was bad, but they kept that to themselves. I don’t know how you put this genie back in the bottle. It’s just going to get worse.” 

Meg Drennan is a freelance journalist who has written for Education Week, The Chronicle of Higher Education and NPR. She focuses on health and wellness stories and has a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins. She lives in Bethesda with her family.  

The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling offers an online self-evaluation tool to help individuals determine if they have an issue. The center also offers resources for counseling and peer groups, and a help line. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services does not have any programs designed specifically to address gambling disorder. 

If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, call 800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537) or visit 1800gamblerchat.org for free, confidential support 24/7.  

This appears in the November/December 2025 issue of Bethesda Magazine.



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UC Athletes Participate In Prestigious Indoor Meet

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Little League Launches SAFE Program Framework and Annual Compliance System

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January 6, 2026

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Key Takeaways

  • Little League retired its 30-year ASAP program to launch Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play on January 5, 2026
  • SAFE Summary Builder replaces manual safety plan uploads with an automated, customizable reporting tool for leagues
  • Leagues completing compliance requirements qualify for a 15% AIG insurance credit and access to Musco-funded facility grants
  • Four safety pillars now formalize Little League’s approach: child protection, physical safety, mental well-being, and risk management
  • District administrators can earn up to $800 in AIG-supported incentives for promoting safety program participation

Replacing Three Decades of Safety Infrastructure

Little League International retired its A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) after nearly 30 years of operation, replacing it with a two-part system designed to centralize resources and measure compliance more systematically. The transition reflects a shift from awareness-based programming to measurable participation standards.

“Little League SAFE provides education, tools, and resources to help leagues build and maintain safer programs, while SAFE to Play establishes annual compliance requirements and a recognition structure that measures participation and rewards achievement,” said Joy Reynolds McCoy, Little League Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer.

The organization built the new framework around four core areas: child protection, physical safety, mental well-being, and local league risk management. Each area now has dedicated resources accessible through a central portal at LittleLeague.org/SAFE, including the Child Protection Policy, JDP background check information, and state-specific guidance.

New Digital Tools Streamline Safety Documentation

Little League introduced the SAFE Summary Builder as the primary change to league-level administration. The guided online tool generates a customized safety summary based on league input, eliminating the previous requirement for manual safety plan uploads. Leagues can share the resulting document with volunteers and parents.

The organization also launched two free training courses. The Safety Awareness Training covers core safety principles, risk management, and best practices for all volunteers. The First Aid Awareness Training focuses on injury prevention and first aid response protocols.

Little League redesigned its Annual Facility Survey to integrate directly with each league’s SAFE Summary. The updated version generates a summary report with practical feedback and recommended actions for improving field and facility safety. Leagues must complete both the SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey to establish baseline participation in the SAFE to Play program.

Insurance Credits and Grant Funding Tied to Compliance

The SAFE to Play component functions as Little League’s annual compliance and recognition program. Leagues that complete the required SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey through the Little League Data Center qualify for a 15% credit on accident insurance premiums purchased through the AIG Accident Insurance Program.

Leagues that meet baseline compliance requirements become eligible to apply for funding through the Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program. In 2026, grant funding covers facility improvements that enhance safety and playing conditions, plus purchases of automated external defibrillators for emergency preparedness.

The program prioritizes a range of leagues, including those demonstrating strong existing safety practices and those facing resource constraints. Completion of additional training courses such as Safety Awareness, First Aid Awareness, and Diamond Leader increases a league’s grant eligibility.

District-Level Incentives Support Program Adoption

Little League established District Incentives supported by AIG to encourage active communication and promotion of safety initiatives. District administrators who help local leagues complete safety requirements can earn up to $800 per district through three separate achievement levels.

The incentive structure aims to build oversight capacity at the district level and foster accountability throughout the program. District administrators serve as the primary communication channel between Little League International and local leagues, making their engagement critical to program adoption rates.

Formalizing Safety as Measurable Infrastructure

Little League’s shift from ASAP to SAFE represents a move toward quantifiable participation standards rather than purely educational programming. The organization now ties financial incentives, insurance benefits, and grant eligibility directly to completion of digital documentation tools and facility assessments.

The four-pillar framework standardizes expectations across all leagues while the SAFE Summary Builder creates a consistent reporting format. By centralizing resources at LittleLeague.org/SAFE and linking compliance to tangible benefits, Little League has positioned safety as both a cultural priority and an administrative requirement with measurable outcomes.

via: Little League

YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.

About Youth Sports Business Report

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Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.

Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:

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Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.

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Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?

Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

About Play Up Partners

Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

Why Sponsor Youth Sports?

Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.

What Does Play Up Partners Do?

We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.

Our Approach

Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:

  • Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
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Our Vision

We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.

Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing

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We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.

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18th District lawmakers propose youth sports safety bill

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January 6, 2026

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The Reflector

Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District are sponsoring legislation aimed at protecting children participating in youth sports programs from abuse and sexual predators.

House Bill 2180, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, and endorsed by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, R-Vancouver, would require background checks for all youth sports coaches and others who manage or supervise youth sports programs, according to a Washington State House Republicans news release.

The proposal would also direct the Department of Children, Youth and Families to develop mandatory training on reporting child abuse tailored to youth sports coaches. Youth sports organizations would be required to complete the training, and coaches would be designated as mandatory reporters.

“This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children,” Ley said in the release. “By requiring background checks — paid for by the individual or organization — we give parents and program administrators better tools to protect kids.”

The bill would require organizations to submit background checks through the Washington State Patrol and would prohibit the hiring of individuals convicted of crimes against children or other persons, the press release stated.

The bill will be reviewed during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Monday, Jan. 12.





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JASH Celebrates Astros’ Signing of Tatsuya Imai, a Milestone in U.S.–Japan Sports Exchange — Japan-America Society of Houston

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January 6, 2026

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The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) warmly congratulates the Houston Astros on the signing of Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, marking an exciting new chapter for both the Astros organization and the enduring relationship between Houston and Japan.

Imai-senshu’s arrival in Houston is more than a roster move—it is a powerful example of how sport continues to serve as a bridge between cultures. Baseball has long been a shared passion of the United States and Japan, fostering mutual respect, admiration, and people-to-people connections across generations.

The timing of this signing is especially meaningful. The year 2026 represents a historic milestone for both nations, with the United States commemorating its 250th anniversary and Japan marking the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. It was during the Showa period that baseball became deeply embedded in Japanese society, evolving into a national sport and a cultural touchstone. Imai-san’s journey from Japan to Major League Baseball reflects this rich legacy and the sport’s continuing role in strengthening bilateral ties.

Houston has long been a gateway for U.S.–Japan exchange, and the Astros’ global presence further amplifies the city’s role as a hub for international connection. Imai-san’s signing underscores the Astros’ commitment to excellence on the field while embracing the global nature of the game.

As an organization dedicated to advancing understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States, JASH celebrates this moment with pride. We look forward to welcoming Imai-san to Houston, cheering him on throughout the season, and continuing to support the many ways cultural exchange enriches our community—on and off the field.

Please join us in welcoming Tatsuya Imai to Houston and wishing him great success with the Astros.



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Community support for North Colonie’s Couture family after loss

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January 6, 2026

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The North Colonie community is mourning the loss of Erin Couture, wife of Shaker High School Dean Garrett Couture, who passed away unexpectedly.

Erin, a former employee at Shaker Middle and High Schools, was cherished by students and staff, the district said in an email to parents. She leaves behind her husband and two young sons, who are students in the district. Garrett Couture is an active figure in youth sports, coaching football and lacrosse, with Erin’s support always by his side.

The district will hold a half-day session on Thursday, Jan. 8, to allow staff to support the Couture family during services. Shaker High School will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., Shaker Middle School at 12:30 p.m., and elementary schools at 1:30 p.m.

You can read Couture’s obituary here.

A gofundme has been set up for the family. You can donate here



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District 10 high school basketball midseason freshman of the year fan vote

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January 6, 2026

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Jan. 5, 2026, 4:02 a.m. ET





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