Males under age 25 are more likely to become problem gamblers, according to Brendan Dwyer, Director of Research at the Center for Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Nearly two-thirds of adolescents, ages 12 to 18, report placing at least one bet, and some become problem gamblers

More people are betting on sports now than ever before. Gamblers in their early 20s are the fastest-growing group of gamblers, according to a 2023 report from the American Psychological Association (APA).

“[Sports betting] is a potentially fun activity if done responsibly,” Dwyer said. “I don’t think we’ve completely penetrated the market. I think we are still having new sports fans feel comfortable sports betting.”

Nearly two-thirds of adolescents, ages 12 to 18, report placing at least one wager. Early exposure to gambling can potentially lead to gambling addiction, and the activity is linked to higher risks of mental distress, per the APA.

“I don’t think that’s unique to sports betting,” Dwyer added when asked about the activity’s impact on youth. “It’s something you see with alcohol consumption, drug use, and anything that involves regulating your behavior. Sports betting is an extra activity that fuels that misbehavior.”

“Sports betting isn’t any more emotional than gambling in a casino. But when a bettor has a specific attachment to a sports team, it can be more emotional. If you don’t bet and you watch a football game, you’re going to be emotional about your favorite football team playing. Sports in general is just more emotional.”

Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health reported a 973% increase in problem gambling calls from 2019 through 2023

In June, the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) reported a 973% increase in problem gambling calls from 2019 through 2023.

Carolyn Hawley, Director of the VPGH, runs a state partnership with help from VCU’s Department of Rehabilitation Counseling. While problem gambling calls have increased, she said the treatment system they’ve created is working.

Hawley told the General Assembly’s Joint Subcommittee to study the feasibility of establishing the Virginia Gaming Commission about the increase in calls her group has received from those experiencing gambling addiction.

In the first quarter of this year, they had 166 referrals to the partnership with over 50% of those people connecting with treatment. Other problem gambling programs across the U.S. typically see just 4-10% ever make it to treatment.

Hawley said the partnership has built a network of 105 providers across the state. Approximately 96% of gamblers that end up in treatment say they’ve stopped or gambled less after six months.