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Sports betting pushed gambling to record levels. AZ joins campaign against underage play

Man gambling on sports betting online at home on his cell phone
Getty Images

With the legalization of sports betting in Arizona and most of the country, Americans are now gambling at record levels.

But it’s still illegal for those under age 21, and the state is launching a campaign to reinforce that message.

The campaign called Too Young To Bet is part of a national effort to confront problem gambling. A state Gaming Department spokesperson says there’s a lack of research on youth gambling.

Kids may try to place bets with a parent’s mobile device, but Arizona-specific data on underage betting is unavailable.

The research that does exist shows that young people are being exposed to gambling earlier in life via advertising or family.

A top concern for state regulators are unlicensed gambling sites, which may make it easier for underage people to bet.

More business news from KJZZ

Matthew Casey has won Public Media Journalists Association and Edward R. Murrow awards since he joined KJZZ as a senior field correspondent in 2015.