Gambling Addiction Rates among Athletes and Coaches

Gambling addiction is increasingly recognized as a significant concern in the world of sports. While headlines often spotlight athletes making big bets or violating league policies, the deeper story is more complex and alarming. Athletes and coaches alike are disproportionately affected by problem gambling compared to the general population, driven by a unique mix of environmental, psychological and cultural factors.

A recent research study, Not Just for Sport: Gambling Risk Among Athletes and Coaches conducted by Dr. Jackie Stanmyre and Dr. Lia Nower of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University, analyzed dozens of studies across collegiate, elite, and youth sports populations. It reveals not only a widespread prevalence of gambling among athletes and coaches, but also high-risk patterns linked to competitive personality traits, social norms and insider illusions of control.

Gambling Addiction among athletes 

In 78.9% of studies reviewed, athletes gambled more frequently than non-athletes. In 75% of studies, athletes were more likely to bet on sports, specifically. The estimated prevalence of problem gambling among athletes is approximately 12.2%, with some studies reporting rates as high as 28.7%. By comparison, the general adult population in the U.S. shows problem gambling rates closer to 1–3%.

The disparity and increased risk can be attributed to the unique characteristics of athletic environments. Many athletes display heightened competitiveness, risk-taking tendencies and ego-driven behavior – all of which correlate with impulsive gambling. Athletes often possess deep technical knowledge of their sport, leading to a false sense that they can “beat the odds” in sports betting. Gambling is often normalized through casual betting with teammates, locker room conversations or even influences from family or other role models. Travel schedules, injury downtime and access to smartphones make it easy for athletes to gamble online, even around practices or games.

Co-occurring conditions and habits are also prominent. Athletes with gambling-related problems are also more likely to report alcohol and drug use, unprotected sex, depression, anxiety and compulsive video gaming. Notably, male athletes in Division III team sports were at particularly high risk, especially if they had sustained an injury in the past six months.

Insights from the Pathways Model

Using latent class analysis and the Revised Pathways Model of problem gambling, researchers identified three subgroups of at-risk athletes:

1. Behaviorally Conditioned Gamblers: Influenced by availability and repeated exposure
   
   

2. Emotionally Vulnerable Gamblers: Those with histories of trauma, depression or anxiety who use gambling to cope
   
   

3. Antisocial-Impulsivist Gamblers: Characterized by risk-taking, substance use, and disregard for consequences – this group was the largest among athletes studied.

The highest-risk subgroup displayed extreme early exposure to gambling (often with family), high NCAA-level sports involvement, and troubling mental health indicators including suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury.

Gambling Addiction among coaches 

While studies have long focused on athletes, new research reveals that coaches, particularly current ones, also show elevated rates of gambling addiction. In a sample of over 1,700 adults with athletic experience, current coaches were nearly 3 times more likely to meet criteria for problem gambling versus non-coaches.

Current or former participation in NCAA-level sports, perceived normalization of gambling within family or team environments, stress and mental health issues, alcohol use and excessive video gaming are among the risk factors cited.

This is significant because of coaches’ own risk profiles, and especially, because of their influence. Coaches play a role in shaping athletic culture.

Importance of coaches as a key gambling demographic

Coaches serve as behavioral role models, mentors and authority figures. A coach’s attitude and behavior can directly impact how young athletes perceive gambling. A coach who casually discusses bets, tolerates locker room wagers or dismisses responsible gambling norms can reinforce harmful habits and downplay risk, contributing to a permissive culture that can escalate into at-risk behaviors and even addiction for impressionable young athletes.

Furthermore, the potential for conflicts of interest looms large. Coaches with gambling problems may be more susceptible to influencing game outcomes or sharing inside information.

As gambling opportunities continue to expand, coaches must be seen not only as potential victims but as key agents of prevention and education.

Treatment for Gambling Addiction in the United States

Despite the risks and rising prevalence, gambling addiction remains under-diagnosed in athletic populations. Athletes and coaches may fear stigma, professional consequences or dismissal of their concerns.

With that in mind, Birches Health offers confidential, discreet virtual treatment options designed to address the specific needs of athletes, coaches and anyone in the sports world affected by gambling addiction. The Birches approach centers around licensed therapists with training in psychology and addiction, online sessions for privacy, flexibility and convenience, evidence-based interventions, including CBT and Motivational Interviewing, as well as support for co-occurring concerns, such as other behavioral and process addictions, depression or performance anxiety.

Whether you’re an athlete struggling with secret betting habits, a coach dealing with online casino debts or a parent worried about gambling culture in your child’s sports team, Birches Health is here to support you. Gambling addiction in sports is no longer a fringe issue; it’s a growing public health concern that affects millions of Americans.

If you or someone you know is struggling, take the first step by:

• Calling 833-483-3838
  
  

• Visiting BirchesHealth.com
  
  

• Emailing hello@bircheshealth.com