TLDR LOTBA released a 2026 World Cup Awareness Guide to help families prevent problem gambling among children and teens. The guide points to a 2025 Argentine Red Cross study showing six in ten teens have been exposed to online betting. Most young bettors first try betting between ages 13 and 14, with boys betting three times more often than girls. 83% of youth bettors reportedly use digital wallets to place bets. The guide lists warning signs like phone obsession, hidden screens, mood swings, and requests for money.
LOTBA, the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires, has released a new guide ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The guide is meant to help parents talk to their kids about sports betting.
The organization says the World Cup brings a wave of betting ads and promotions. Kids and teens see this content through social media, television, and everyday conversations.
LOTBA president Jesús María Acevedo introduced the guide this week. It includes tips, warning signs, and conversation starters for families.
Why LOTBA Created the Guide
Betting is illegal for anyone under 18 in Argentina. But LOTBA says exposure to betting content still reaches young people through ads and social media.
The guide cites a 2025 study from the Argentine Red Cross. It found that six out of ten teenagers had some exposure to online betting, either by placing bets themselves or through friends and family.
The study also found that most young people place their first bet between ages 13 and 14. Boys are three times more likely than girls to bet on sports.
Another finding from the study is that 83% of underage bettors use digital wallets to fund their bets. This makes it easier for minors to bypass traditional payment checks.
LOTBA says these numbers show