UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The growing accessibility of online sports betting platforms has created new challenges for young adults and especially college students, according to Stephanie Stama, assistant director for community education and outreach and psychologist at Penn State’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Sports betting companies increasingly target college students with marketing campaigns, making it easier than ever to place wagers through mobile apps.
“Exposure to gambling behaviors is permeating nearly all age groups through strategic advertising and gamified activities,” Stama said. “Recent research shows that, by age 17, 49% of U.S. males have gambled in the past year. By the time they reach college, sports betting and gambling have become a normalized behavior, which makes it difficult for an individual to know whether a casual, fun activity has become problematic.”
A National Council on Problem Gambling report in 2023 detailed findings about how social pressure and the thrill of sports wagering contribute to compulsive patterns among young adults.
In addition, another report from the Ohio Casino Control Commission found that up to 6% of college students become addicted to gambling, compared to the 1% to 5% of the general population. Sports betting frequently leads students toward more dangerous forms of gambling. Gambling disorders carry the highest risk of suicidal ideation among all addictions.
Lori Strayer, alcohol and other drug coordinator and counselor at CAPS, emphasized that gambling perception can be tricky.
“When polled, most college students who bet on sports believe it can be profitable, but only a very small percentage will have gains over time,” Strayer said. “This perception problem can fool people into borrowing money to ‘win back’ a loss, bet more, and lose more than they ever intended, and get hooked with initial gifts and wins. The truth is that these companies are not losing money; college students are losing money.”
Students are encouraged to recognize the warning signs of problem gambling and seek support when needed. Indicators that betting has become harmful include:
- Spending more money or time on betting than intended
- Borrowing money or selling personal items to place bets
- Feeling anxious, stressed, or distracted by gambling-related concerns
- Experiencing conflicts with friends or family over gambling behavior
“As part of a community, it is important to look out for one another,” said Jason Yoder, CAPS Chat coordinator and clinician at CAPS. “If you are concerned about a friend and think that they might have a problem with gambling or sports betting, it is important to ask. Set up a time and private space to talk about it, try to be non-judgmental, and avoid labeling the person. It can be helpful to work together to find things that will be helpful or get connected to support. Inform yourself about support and services where you can direct them.”
Support Services Available
The University offers multiple resources for students experiencing gambling-related difficulties.
- CAPS provides confidential individual counseling and group recovery options for students. Counselors facilitate a drop-in weekly SMART Recovery group for behavioral addictions on Mondays from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in 104 Pasquerilla, which requires no appointment. Students can schedule counseling appointments by calling 814-863-0395.
- Health Promotion and Wellness offer a free one-on-one educational service for problem gambling and referrals when necessary. Services and resources can be found on the Health Promotion and Wellness website.
- The Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center helps students with financial planning and guidance to navigate challenges and help make sound financial decisions. Learn more about coaching and find resources at the Sokolov-Miller Center website.
- Student Care and Advocacy assist students with personal challenges, including those related to finances. Learn more on the Student Affairs website.
- The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) provides around-the-clock confidential support.
Pennsylvania residents can enroll in state self-exclusion programs that block access to betting platforms and gambling venues through the Self-Exclusion Programs and Treatment portal. Penn State encourages students to make informed decisions and reach out for help if they or someone they know is struggling with the effects of sports betting.
About Penn State Student Affairs
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement, and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills, and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.