Sports Betting is Worryingly Rampant at Colleges
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Oct 5, 2024
,
12:17 p.m.
ET
Sports betting is becoming widespread across college campuses in the U.S., reaching a worrying prevalence level among students. In some cases, the gambling culture has become so embedded that entire social groups, such as fraternity houses, are now betting. This is raising concerns about the potential consequences in the short and long term, especially for students under the age of 21.
How widespread is sports betting on college campuses?
To understand how pervasive sports betting is at some colleges, Covers took a first-hand look at fraternity life at the University of Missouri. According to “Hanks,” a member of the Delta Chi fraternity, "Nine out of ten guys at Mizzou bet." In a quick survey of his house, it appeared closer to 10 out of 10, with over 120 active members involved in sports betting. Only a few abstained because they had lost too much money recently – but even they might return to betting soon.
This is not an isolated case. The gambling culture, especially sports betting, has deeply infiltrated college life across the country. A recent poll from Missouri indicates that the strongest support for a ballot measure to legalize sports betting came from young men. This reflects broader trends: data shows that younger, more educated men are the predominant demographic for sports betting.
In a 2023 survey by the NCAA, over 58% of college students admitted to participating in some form of sports betting. Many students are placing bets through mobile apps, fantasy sports platforms, betting pools and even traditional bookies.
This data reveals a growing trend in sports betting activities on campuses, driven by factors like technological accessibility, social pressure, and the excitement of competition.
How are college students under age 21 betting on sports?
While most states prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from participating in legal sports betting, this hasn’t stopped underage students from finding ways to place bets. Many are turning to offshore sportsbooks, which operate without regulation from U.S. authorities. These platforms often offer enticing betting options without verifying age, allowing underage bettors to easily engage in gambling. The rise of pay-per-head services, a modern twist on traditional bookies, has also allowed students to place bets on credit without immediately feeling the financial burden. They can also pay off debts (or receive winnings) using apps like Venmo and CashApp, which remove the traditional need to physically meet up in person to “settle up.”
Offshore sportsbooks and illegal bookies present significant risks to students. Because these platforms operate outside U.S. legal jurisdictions, they offer no protections for users. Bettors may face issues with payouts, security vulnerabilities, and legal consequences if caught engaging with illegal gambling platforms.
Dangers of college-age individuals gambling
Gambling, particularly among younger individuals, can have severe consequences. College students are at a crucial stage in brain development, making them more susceptible to impulsive behavior and risky decision-making. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and decision-making, isn’t fully developed until the mid-twenties. This makes it harder for students to resist the thrill of placing bets or knowing when to stop after a loss.
Research indicates that engaging in gambling during this critical period can lead to long-term behavioral changes, such as heightened dependency on gambling to trigger dopamine releases in the brain. Additionally, gambling-related stress can take a toll on students’ mental health, exacerbating academic pressures and contributing to anxiety and depression.
Social factors also play a role. Many students gamble to fit in with their peers or seek excitement and competition. For athletes, gambling poses even greater risks due to their competitive nature and close ties to the world of sports. Reports show that nearly 30% of male athletes engage in sports betting, with some starting as early as high school.
Signs of gambling addiction in college students
Identifying a gambling problem early can be crucial for preventing long-term harm. College students may display several warning signs, including:
Financial difficulties: Students may borrow money frequently, sell personal items or struggle to pay bills as gambling becomes a priority.
Neglecting academic responsibilities: Excessive gambling can lead to skipped classes, missed assignments and a decline in academic performance.
Emotional distress: Students with gambling problems often experience anxiety, irritability or depression, particularly after losses.
Social isolation: As gambling consumes more of their time, students may withdraw from social activities and relationships.
Lying and secretive behavior: To hide their gambling habits, students may lie about their activities or finances.
These signs may vary from person to person, but if a student displays any combination of these behaviors, it’s essential to seek help.
Gambling Addiction treatment for college students
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, treatment options are available. Birches Health specializes in addressing gambling addiction through a variety of services tailored to college students. The approach includes individualized care plans, telehealth options and a commitment to minimizing out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Here’s how you can start 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.
Sports betting on college campuses is a growing problem with serious repercussions. Recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate treatment can make a critical difference in preventing gambling from taking a severe toll on students’ academic and personal lives.
