The rapid expansion of legalized sports betting has introduced new challenges for colleges and universities, for both its student athletes and its general population—many under the legal gambling age—as both are increasingly exposed to betting opportunities. This summit will examine the risks associated with sports betting on college campuses for both student athletes and non-athletes, including problem gambling, academic and financial consequences, and the influence of social media and advertising. Experts will discuss emerging trends, institutional policies, and effective prevention and education strategies to address these issues. Attendees will gain insights into how campuses can foster a culture of responsible gambling while mitigating risks to both athletic and general population students.
Sports betting has become highly prevalent on college campuses across America. Learn more about NCAA research related to student-athlete gambling trends, student-athlete health and safety considerations related to sports betting, and NCAA initiatives related to collegiate sports betting.
In the era of rapidly expanding sports betting access, research suggests sports-involved individuals are more likely to gamble and develop gambling problems. However, little is known about coaches who have primary influence over athletes starting at young ages. This presentation will examine studies of athletes and coaches from a statewide epidemiological sample. Findings suggest athlete subgroups are distinguished by (1) low pathology, (2), mood symptoms, and (3) externalizing behaviors (e.g., antisociality, substance problems). And, current coaches were more engaged in gambling and more likely to report gambling, substance, and mental health problems. Implications for prevention and intervention will be discussed.
