But according to new research from Common Sense Media, moments like this are often where gambling habits begin. The new report from the nonprofit organization finds that gambling is far more common among adolescent boys than parents realize. By contrast, fewer than 20 percent of boys whose friends don’t gamble reported gambling themselves. This aligns with broader research linking early gambling exposure to increased risk of problem gambling later in life. Common Sense Media recommends starting conversations about gambling earlier than many parents expect, and revisiting them often.