Significant Risks of Gambling Addiction in Young Men

Gambling addiction is becoming a growing concern across the United States, particularly among young men. The rise of online sports betting and easy access to gambling platforms has exposed this demographic to greater risks, leading to more reports of problem gambling behaviors.

Recent studies highlight that young men, specifically those aged 18 to 30, are at a disproportionately higher risk of developing gambling addictions, with troubling trends emerging from college campuses and even high school environments.

New study shows young men at higher risk of problem gambling

The legalization of online gambling in many states has brought convenience and entertainment to millions, but it has also led to significant challenges. According to a study conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University, 10% of men aged 18 to 30 exhibit signs of problem gambling, compared to just 3% of the general population. The data shows that online gambling, particularly online sports betting, is more dangerous than traditional forms of gambling like lottery tickets or in-person casino games. Nearly 68% of individuals who bet on sports online report at least one sign of problem gambling behavior, with 53% reporting multiple problematic behaviors.

The Fairleigh Dickinson survey used the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to measure gambling behaviors. Among young men, 45% reported at least one problem gambling behavior, such as borrowing money to gamble or experiencing emotional distress due to gambling losses.

These behaviors often lead to a downward spiral. Financial losses can cause stress and anxiety, which in turn lead to more gambling as individuals attempt to "chase" their losses. This cycle is especially dangerous for young men who are just starting their careers and may not have the financial security to recover from significant gambling debts.

Why Are Young Men More at Risk?

Young men are heavily targeted by gambling advertisements, particularly through sports leagues and online gaming platforms. The constant exposure to betting sites during sports events, coupled with the ease of accessing these platforms via smartphones, creates a perfect storm.

Dan Cassino, Executive Director of the Fairleigh Dickinson Poll, noted that "when every league is partnered with a betting site, people who like sports are going to start gambling on it." This targeted marketing strategy has made it increasingly difficult for young men to separate casual sports fandom from gambling activities.

Sports betting demographics in the U.S.

Sports betting, in particular, has seen a significant surge in popularity. Ahead of Super Bowl Sunday 2024, St. Bonaventure University and the Siena College Research Institute put out a poll, finding that 39% of Americans bet on sports to some degree. The poll also revealed that 15% of people say they know someone enduring problem gambling, 20% of Americans have an online sports betting account and that 57% of people who bet online are men between the ages of 18 and 50.

According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), nearly 49 percent of Americans reported participating in some form of gambling over the past year. NFL games account for the majority of wagers, making it the most popular league among bettors. Ahead of the 2023 NFL season, 28.8% of the population was expected to place an NFL bet that season.

Sports betting exploding in popularity on college campuses

The culture of sports betting has infiltrated college campuses across the country, creating a social environment where betting is normalized. A report from Covers.com revealed that at the University of Missouri, 9 out of 10 male students actively bet on sports. The ease of access to online sportsbooks, coupled with peer pressure, creates an environment where even non-bettors feel left out.

While the legal age for sports betting is typically 21 in most states, students under this age are still finding ways to gamble. Many underage bettors turn to offshore sportsbooks, sweepstakes platforms or even local bookies. These methods allow high school and college students to bypass legal restrictions, further increasing their exposure to gambling risks.

How are underage males betting on sports?

High school students are not immune to the risks of gambling addiction. In states where the legal gambling age is 18, such as Montana and Kentucky, students as young as high schoolers have access to online sportsbooks. Even in states where the legal age is 21, students often find ways around the restrictions. For instance, some use hybrid Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS 2.0) platforms, which operate in a legal gray area, allowing underage players to bet on sports. Others use platforms that take advantage of sweepstakes laws to offer sports betting and casino products in states where they are not legal.

This early exposure to gambling during formative years increases the likelihood of developing problem behaviors later in life.

Specialized Gambling Addiction Treatment for Young Men

Addressing gambling addiction in young men requires a tailored approach. Birches Health offers specialized treatment programs designed to help young men overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives. These programs focus on virtual behavioral therapy, financial counseling and peer support groups to provide a holistic approach to recovery.

Birches Health also provides educational resources to help individuals and families recognize the signs of gambling addiction early. For those unsure if they or a loved one may have a gambling problem, Birches offers a free self-assessment to gauge the severity of the potential issue.

Here are some ways to get started with Birches Health:

You can also call us at 833-483-3838 or email us at hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with our Birches team as soon as possible.