What are the odds?

  • Of a college player becoming a pro football player: 3,000 to 1
  • Struck by lightning: 576,000 to 1
  • Winning a Powerball jackpot 140,000,000 to 1

Sports Gambling

  • According to an ESPN survey, about 118 million American gambled on sports in some manner in 2008.
  • About 67% of all college students bet on sports
  • Sports betting is second to poker in popularity of gambling games among college students
  • A recent survey revealed that 44% off 12th grade males reported wagering on sports at least once
  • Sports betting is the most popular form of gambling abound youth 14-22.
  • Nearly a quarter of males bet on sports in an average month. 

Risk Factors for Gambling Problems

  • Male
  • Athlete
  • 18-24 years
  • Substance use/abuse
  • Easy access to gambling and money
  • Family history of addiction
  • Belief in his own skill
  • Belief in luck/superstition
  • Racial/Ethnic minority
  • Gamble illegally
  • Early onset
  • Early Big Win
  • Highly Competitive