Early Sports Betting Risks in Young Adults

New study reveals sports betting gateway risks

Young adults are at increased risk of gambling harm, with around 10% of 18-24-year-olds exhibiting problematic gambling habits or risky behaviors related to gambling. ^[3] A new study, which interviewed young adults who reported sports betting harm, helped to gain some insight into this growing issue. ^[3]

Gambling is often seen as a rite of passage once people reach the legal age in their state, and has become normalized through prevalent advertisements. ^[3] This, combined with no parental oversight and increased financial independence of young adults, puts them at an increased risk of problematic gambling. ^[3]

Of all gambling activities, young people have the highest engagement with sports betting, highlighting its popularity among this group. ^[3] With online or app-based gambling making sports betting very accessible, it can often act as a gateway to higher frequency or higher-stakes betting, and to other forms of gambling. ^[3]

This study highlighted how harm can develop rapidly from sports betting, with individuals new to gambling quickly developing harmful betting behaviors. ^[3] This includes spending more and more time and money gambling, borrowing money to gamble, and betting habits affecting mood, employment, and relationships. ^[3]

Young men face highest losses

Young men appear to be most affected by harmful sports betting. ^[3] Marketing has helped to normalize sports gambling, and with young men generally more into sports, these advertisements are often directed at them. ^[4] As a result, gambling is often seen as congruous with watching sports, which can quickly lead to problematic gambling habits. 

In addition, men are more likely to take risks and experience social pressure to gamble compared to women. ^[3][5] This can be in part attributed to the development of the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which controls an individual’s decision-making. This does not fully develop until your mid-20s, meaning young adults are more likely to make impulsive or risky decisions. ^[6] These factors combined often mean young men face higher negatives from gambling financially, socially, and with their mental health. 

Early warning signs in teens and college students

Several warning signs could indicate that someone’s gambling habits are becoming harmful. These include: ^[7]

• Gambling with higher amounts of money.
• Continuing to gamble just to try to win back losses.
• Spending more and more time gambling.
• Gambling habits are affecting studies, work, and relationships.
• Feeling unable to stop gambling.
• Borrowing money or having to find other income sources to help fund gambling.
• Constantly thinking about gambling and feeling compelled to gamble.

If you, or someone you know, can relate to any of these signs, you should seek professional advice to help reduce gambling. 

Health impacts: Depression, academics, and SUD links

Harmful betting can have some serious health impacts. The regret and shame of frequent betting can quickly become depression and anxiety. ^[3] Those who have experienced harmful gambling reported increased rates of low mood, stress, and decreased self-worth. ^[3] Growing financial pressures often compound these negative feelings as gambling continues. ^[3]

Academics can also be affected, with around half of this study’s sample reporting gambling during work or study time. ^[3] Academic performance can be negatively impacted as individuals spend more time preoccupied with betting rather than studying. ^[3] Individuals may also be absent from class to watch a game they have bet on. ^[3]

Gambling addiction is also linked to increased risk of drug use and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). ^[8] Gambling and drug use both activate the dopamine reward system in the brain, with this shared pathway contributing to the predisposition of one addiction to the other. Substance misuse may also occur to help manage the stress of gambling and cope with losses. This highlights just how detrimental and harmful gambling can be.

Prevention strategies for parents

Parents can play an important role in helping to prevent harmful gambling habits in children and young adults. Having open conversations about the risks of gambling and setting a good example by not excessively gambling themselves can both be very helpful. 

Parents should consider ensuring their child can’t access any betting websites or apps, for example, by having parental locks on their phone or computer. It’s also important that parents are aware of the signs of harmful gambling, so that they can react to these signs accordingly.

Treatment pathways if harm emerges

There are several treatment options available for harmful gambling. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating gambling addiction, as it helps individuals identify and change their thought patterns that drive betting. ^[9] In addition, support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, provide vital support and a non-judgmental space to discuss experiences and recovery. Financial counselling and education can also play an important role, as gambling can often leave people with significant debts.

For those who aren’t yet ready for formal help, self-help strategies such as gambling blocking software can help stop or reduce time spent betting. Supportive friends and family can also help to ensure accountability and encourage continued recovery. 

Final thoughts

Sports betting may seem like a harmless way to make watching sports more exciting, but the evidence shows it carries real risks, particularly for young adults. The accessibility of online betting, combined with targeted marketing and social normalization, has created an environment where harmful habits can develop quickly.

Recognizing the warning signs and taking action before slipping into bad habits is vital to prevent long-term harm. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to a medical or mental health professional.