Teen gambling is on the rise and sports betting apps are making it easier than ever for students to get hooked. (Yes, really. The stats are alarming. AND no, I have no idea where they are getting the money lol.) This lesson helps teens recognize the risks of online gambling without a single lecture or moment of boredom.
 
It starts with a 4-round psychological simulation engineered to get students to risk more and keep playing and when they inevitably lose it all, the real lesson begins. Students break down the exact tactics gambling apps use to keep people playing: manipulative language, loss aversion, "special comeback" offers, and variable reward design.
 
Using 24 editable Google Slides and a double-sided follow-along worksheet (Google Classroom compatible), students will think critically about who these apps are actually designed for, explore the real risks of teen gambling, and practice refusal skills for when friends, older siblings, or influencers pressure them to join in.
 
What's Included:
24 editable Google Slides (simulation game, case study, roleplay scenarios, and reflection)
Editable double-sided student worksheet (print or digital)
Step-by-step teacher lesson plan, NHES aligned (Standards 1.12.6, 2.12.5, 4.12.5, 5.12.5)
 
Topics Covered: sports betting apps, psychology of gambling, loss aversion, peer pressure, refusal skills, decision-making, media literacy, PrizePicks, DraftKings, teen addiction awareness
 
This lesson is designed for high school health classes (grades 9–12) but is relevant for upper middle school as well, as gambling app use among teens is starting younger every year.