The Rise of Sports Betting on College Campuses
The Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to lift the federal ban on sports betting has led to a surge in the industry, with 39 states now allowing the activity. This has had a significant impact on college campuses, where sports are a major part of the culture and student-athletes are often the subjects of large wagers.
The Prevalence of Sports Betting Among College Students
A survey conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 2023 found that 60% of college students have gambled on sports, with the majority being young men. This trend is particularly concerning, as young men are more likely to engage in problematic sports gambling. The NCAA survey also found that 16% of 18- to 22-year-olds engage in problematic sports gambling, which can lead to financial and emotional difficulties.
The Consequences of Problematic Sports Gambling
The consequences of problematic sports gambling can be severe. A poll conducted by Siena University in January found that a quarter of men who have gambled on sports say a friend or family member has expressed concern with their betting habits. Some 28% of 18- to 34-year-old men who use sports-betting apps said in the same survey that they have had trouble meeting a financial obligation because of a lost bet. Furthermore, students who engage in problematic sports gambling often experience significant financial and emotional distress, including losing large amounts of money, struggling to meet basic needs, and experiencing anxiety and depression.
The Response of Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities have had an uneven response to the rise of sports betting on their campuses. Some institutions have partnered with sports-betting firms, receiving cash for sponsorship and naming rights, while others have ended such agreements due to concerns about the impact on students. The NCAA has also built a sprawling enforcement operation to police the integrity of games and stem harassment of students by gamblers.
The Challenges of Regulating Sports Betting
Regulating sports betting is a complex issue, particularly in the United States, where the rules are more permissive and less consistent than in other rich Western countries. The NCAA has had to work with sports-betting operators to identify suspicious wagers and prevent game-fixing, but this can be a challenging task. Additionally, student-athletes face a torrent of abuse from losing gamblers, with the NCAA recording 740 instances of harassment directly attributed to sports gambling last year.
The Impact on Student-Athletes
Student-athletes are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of sports betting. They may face pressure to perform well from gamblers who have wagered on their games, and they may also be tempted to engage in problematic sports gambling themselves. The NCAA has reported several cases of athletes intentionally playing poorly in games in which they or a friend had placed wagers, highlighting the risks of corruption and exploitation.
Conclusion
The rise of sports betting on college campuses is a complex issue that requires a nuanced and multifaceted response. While the industry has brought in significant revenue and created new opportunities for fans to engage with sports, it also poses significant risks to students, particularly young men, who may be vulnerable to problematic sports gambling. Colleges and universities, as well as regulators and sports-betting operators, must work together to prevent the exploitation of student-athletes and to provide support and resources to students who may be struggling with sports betting addiction. Ultimately, it is essential to strike a balance between the benefits of sports betting and the need to protect the well-being and safety of students.
