More than $25 billion was wagered on mobile sports betting in New York last year, and the rapid growth of online gambling is raising concerns about problem gambling and access among young people.

A report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found that calls to New York’s problem gambling HopeLine increased 8.5% between 2020 and 2025.

Michelle Hadden, executive director of the New York Council on Problem Gambling, said sports betting has become an increasingly common reason people contact the HopeLine.

“Given the proliferation of sports betting and prediction market gambling in the last few years, it’s just not a surprise to see that we’re finally, you know, recognizing an impact,” Hadden said.

Hadden said mobile betting can increase risks because people can place wagers at virtually any time without the barriers associated with traveling to a casino or purchasing a lottery product.

“You literally could be rolling over in the middle of the night to place a bet,” she said.

The comptroller’s report also cited more than 1,900 alleged incidents involving underage users on mobile betting apps in 2025, compared with 54 in 2023.

Hadden said parents need to recognize that young people face greater risks from gambling and should not have access to betting accounts.

She also expressed concern about prediction market platforms, saying some can be accessed by people younger than 21.

“While this is framed as trading, in reality it really is gambling,” Hadden said.

Hadden said warning signs of problem gambling include spending more time or money than intended and trying to recover previous losses by continuing to bet.

New York has increased funding for problem gambling services by $6 million, with the additional money directed toward prevention efforts.

The state’s HopeLine is available 24 hours a day at 877-846-7369. People can also text 467-369 for support.