College Sports Betting: The Alarming Rise of Addiction Among Young Adults - (2025)

Updated: 11/06/2025

Sports betting has seen a significant surge among college students following its legalization in 2018. A 2023 study by the NCAA revealed that 67% of college students are now engaging in sports betting, a number that experts believe has risen even higher due to the ease of access through apps and the expanding market targeting young individuals. This craze has swiftly made its way onto college campuses, leading some individuals down a path of addiction and financial struggles. Saul Malek's story sheds light on the dark side of sports betting addiction, showcasing how a seemingly harmless activity can quickly spiral out of control.

Malek, a former college student, found himself deeply entangled in the world of sports gambling. What began as innocent fun to channel his passion for sports eventually turned into a full-blown addiction, with devastating consequences. Malek confessed that at his lowest point, he was buried in a $25,000 debt, all due to his compulsive gambling habits. His story is just one among many illustrating the hidden dangers and complexities of sports betting among young adults.

The legalization of sports betting back in 2018 marked a turning point in the industry. With 39 states and the District of Columbia permitting sports betting, the landscape of gambling has shifted drastically. The convenience of mobile sports betting has revolutionized the way people engage with this form of entertainment, with mobile platforms like DraftKings and BetMGM offering enticing incentives for new customers. The ease of betting at any time, combined with the thrill of watching games, has become a potent recipe for addiction among the youth.

While traditional forms of in-person betting have seen a decline, the rise of mobile sports betting paints a different picture. In 2024, mobile sports betting soared by approximately 50%, generating a staggering $10.4 billion in revenue. Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, noted the transition from physically going to casinos to accessing betting platforms on phones. This shift has made it easier for individuals like Malek to get caught up in the dangerous cycle of gambling without the physical barriers that once existed.

The normalization of sports betting among young men, particularly college students, has created an environment where the line between harmless fun and addiction blurs. Jordan, a past gambler who wishes to remain anonymous, described how sports betting became intertwined with his college experience, especially within fraternity culture. The availability of betting options on numerous aspects of games, from over/unders to props, further fueled his addiction.

Partying, alcohol, and sports betting seemed to blend seamlessly in Jordan's world, illustrating the deep-rooted connection between gambling and social activities among young adults. The prevalence of betting workbooks on smartphones has become so widespread that it has become an integral part of the college experience for many. According to Austin, Jordan's father, sports betting has become the new binge drinking, omnipresent and accepted.

Despite the growing popularity of sports betting among young adults, there remains a significant stigma surrounding gambling addiction. Cait Huble from the National Council on Problem Gambling highlighted the misconception that gambling addiction is often viewed as a moral failing rather than a genuine medical concern. This skewed perception has made it challenging for individuals struggling with gambling problems to seek help or receive the support they need.

The emotional toll of gambling addiction extends beyond the individual directly involved. Families, like Jordan's parents, often find themselves grappling with how to address the issue. Austin recounted the difficult conversations and financial interventions that marked Jordan's journey through addiction. It was only after realizing the deeper roots of the problem that they could begin to understand the complexities of gambling addiction.

Advocates and experts in the field, including Sam DeMello, emphasize the importance of destigmatizing gambling addiction and providing targeted support to those in need. DeMello's initiative, Evive, a digital therapy app tailored to gambling addiction, aims to bridge the gap in age-appropriate interventions. By partnering with health authorities in several states, initiatives like Evive are paving the way for a more comprehensive approach to addressing gambling addiction among young adults.

For those seeking ways to curb their sports betting habits, self-exclusion widgets like Gamban, BetBlocker, and GamBlock offer practical solutions. These tools allow individuals to set limits on their betting activities and block access to gambling apps for a specified period. Rob Minnick, a former gambler turned advocate, suggests that being mindful of one's motivations behind gambling is key. Recognizing when betting shifts from entertainment to compulsion can serve as an early warning sign.

Malek's journey towards recovery serves as a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Through his participation in Gamblers Anonymous meetings and a gradual shift in mindset, Malek was able to confront his addiction head-on and eventually break free from its grip. His story underscores the importance of seeking community support and acknowledging the need for external help in overcoming addiction.

In a world where sports betting has become increasingly intertwined with social interactions and entertainment, it is crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling addiction, especially among young adults. By shedding light on the realities of addiction, providing accessible resources for support, and eradicating the stigma surrounding gambling problems, we can create a safer environment for individuals to seek help and embark on the path to recovery.

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