The Emerging Adult Gambling Longitudinal Exploratory Study (EAGLES): Results from the First Wave (N=2,000+) and Insights for Future Waves

Session Title

Youth Gambling: Emerging Adult Profiles

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

To better understand how emerging adults engage with gambling-like behaviors, their gambling risk profiles, and the impact of significant life experiences on gambling behavior and risk, this research is a 5-year, 10-wave study of individuals as they age through their 20's. Over 2,000 emerging adults (ages 18-24) who self-reported gambling at least once in the past year from throughout the U.S. were recruited with the first wave responses ending in January, 2026. Initial survey questions considered both past year and lifetime experiences, while each wave will then report on changes since the prior wave. Initial results are shared with a focus on initial behavior and risk providing an in-depth look on the baseline understanding of gambling behavior and risk among this population.

Author Bios

Dr. Michelle L. Malkin directs the Gambling Research and Policy Initiative at East Carolina University, where she is also an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology. Her research examines how gambling affects individuals and communities — with a focus on behavioral risks and gambling-related harms in under-studied populations. She has earned national recognition, including awards from the NCPG and ECU for innovation, research excellence, and community engagement.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

The Emerging Adult Gambling Longitudinal Exploratory Study (EAGLES): Results from the First Wave (N=2,000+) and Insights for Future Waves

To better understand how emerging adults engage with gambling-like behaviors, their gambling risk profiles, and the impact of significant life experiences on gambling behavior and risk, this research is a 5-year, 10-wave study of individuals as they age through their 20's. Over 2,000 emerging adults (ages 18-24) who self-reported gambling at least once in the past year from throughout the U.S. were recruited with the first wave responses ending in January, 2026. Initial survey questions considered both past year and lifetime experiences, while each wave will then report on changes since the prior wave. Initial results are shared with a focus on initial behavior and risk providing an in-depth look on the baseline understanding of gambling behavior and risk among this population.