A recent study raises serious concerns about how gambling may affect mental health among college students.
Gambling has exploded in recent years, and studies show more than half of men ages 18-49 now have an active sportsbook account online. But experts are also questioning what this type of gambling may do to our society.
A study published last month in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction examined gambling habits and mental health among more than 1,800 college students in Mississippi from the 2021 school year.
Researchers found nearly one in four college students surveyed said they gambled, and 7% suffered from gambling problems.
Researchers also found that “increased gambling risk was generally associated with worse mental health symptoms” among students. Students with gambling problems were also more prone to struggle with anxiety and worry or problems with their mood.
Gambling problems were also tied to greater problems with substance use.
Gambling isn’t harmless entertainment. It’s predatory, and it’s growing.
A report from Common Sense Media earlier this year found 36% of boys ages 11 to 17 reported gambling in the past year. Among boys exposed to gambling content, 59% said the content appeared in their feeds without them seeking it out.
Researchers have repeatedly voiced concerns about sports advertisements that aggressively target young adults.
Internet gambling makes placing a bet as easy as sending a text — especially when it comes to sports betting.
We have identified a few examples of simple, sensible steps that Arkansas could take to protect families from predatory sports betting.
As powerful corporations try to make gambling part of everyday life, it’s important for Arkansas to protect its citizens and families from predatory gambling. Otherwise, gambling addiction will simply continue wrecking lives and hurting families in our state.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
